Witches Herb Hyoscyamus niger

The genus name is derived from the words hog and bean, that refer to the severe toxicity that the plants seeds are to the swine population.  Animals tend to avoid this plant due to its foul odor and taste.

Black Henbane is an erect annual or biennial herb with coarse, hairy stems. Early in a plants' growth, it will appear in the form of a rosette before forming stems.  When it grows as a biennial it will have many branches.  An annual plant will have minimal branching.  It is commonly found growing in rocky, temperate locations, often along roadsides as well as disturbed locations and beach areas.  

Although not native to the US, it has been introduced and can be found across the Northeast, the Midwest and a large portion of the West.  It was brought to the US for cultivation as a medicinal herb.  

Although the leaves, fruits, seeds and roots are highly toxic, in ancient times, these plant parts were used to treat pain as a local anesthetic.  During the Middle Ages, it was associated with witchcraft, where the common name Witches Herb came about.  

The flowers are tubular and 5-parted, with the petals fused into a cup shape.  They are greenish-yellow or yellowish with purple veins and form at both ends of the stems, in spaces between the leaves and stem.  The base of each flower is covered with long hairs.  Annual black henbane bloom later in the season than the biennial.

This invasive plant spreads by self-seeding.  The seed dropped by the plant can remain viable for many years.  Control can be accomplished by pulling or digging up the plants, ensuring to remove the taproot.  Place plants removed in bags to contain the spread of seeds from mature fruits.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN

When handling the plant, be sure to wear gloves, as exposure to the skin may cause a rash.