Hyoscyamus niger
TAXONOMY
FamilySolanaceae
GenusHyoscyamus
Zone6
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Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as henbane, is a plant in the Solanaceae family. It is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Henbane is an annual or biennial plant that has been historically used for its medicinal properties, although it is highly toxic. The plant has a distinctive appearance with sticky, hairy leaves and yellowish flowers with purple veins.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Henbane
Hyoscarpus niger
Hyoscyamus agrestis
Hyoscyamus auriculatus
Hyoscyamus bohemicus
Hyoscyamus lethalis
Hyoscyamus niger subsp. agrestis
Hyoscyamus niger var. annuus
Hyoscyamus niger var. chinensis
Hyoscyamus pallidus
Hyoscyamus persicus
Hyoscyamus pictus
Hyoscyamus syspirensis
Hyoscyamus verviensis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Henbane prefers full sun and should be grown in a location that receives direct bright light for several hours a day. It thrives in moderate temperatures and does not require high humidity. Water the plant when the soil is almost completely dry, but avoid overwatering. Henbane can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate.Soil
Henbane grows best in well-draining loamy soil. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.Fertilizer
Henbane benefits from a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season to support its development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
Henbane can be repotted if necessary, especially if it outgrows its container. Repot in the early spring before the growing season begins. Use a well-draining soil mix and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.Propagation
Henbane can be propagated from seeds. Sow the seeds in early spring in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs. Thin the seedlings to allow enough space for each plant to grow.Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for henbane. However, you can remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's appearance and health.Toxicity
Henbane is highly toxic to both humans and animals. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, including hyoscyamine and scopolamine. Ingestion can cause severe symptoms such as hallucinations, convulsions, and even death. Handle the plant with care and keep it out of reach of children and pets.Additional
Henbane has a long history of use in traditional medicine and folklore, but due to its toxicity, it should be handled with extreme caution. It is also known for its unpleasant odor, which can deter herbivores from grazing on it.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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