Black Henbane

Jenny Humphrey

I was asked to identify a plant the other day and it was a new one on me.  Despite this unusual and rather nasty character existing in Alberta, Idaho and other areas close to our own, I, nor several others had seen it before.  As this plant, Black Henbane,  can become invasive and as prevention is better than the cure, here is the plant for all to see.  Should you have this plant in your garden, it is best pulled and well composted preferably before the seeds mature as composting does not always destroy mature and viable seed.  If you do have this plant and the seeds are mature, seal in a black plastic bag and place in the sun.  The heat should build up enough to destroy the seeds.  Alternatively the plant could be burned in a safe location.

attractive flower with deep brown red vein pattern

multi branched ungainly plant

hardened and viscious calyxes which hold the seed pod

hairy leaves which have no stems

immature seeds - seeds turn brown/ black when ripe

http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-BlackHenbane.pdf