Black Henbane (State designated weed)
Hyoscyamus niger
Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
Black henbane is a native of Europe that was introduced in the U.S. as an ornamental and now infests pastures, fencerows, roadsides and waste areas.
Growth Habit: Annual or biennial, 1 to 3 feet tall.
Leaves: Coarsely-toothed to shallowly lobed and hairy. Foliage has a foul odor.
Flowers: On long racemes in axils of upper leaves, brownish-yellow with a purple center and purple veins.
Other: Black henbane contains hyoscyamine and other alkaloids which have caused occasional livestock poisoning. However, the plant is usually not grazed by animals and is consumed only when more palatable forage is not available. Henbane alkaloids have been used in the past, and are currently used, as medicines at controlled dosages. It is considered a poisonous plant to humans.
Status: State Designated Noxious Weed, Category 3 weed in Fremont County. Regional, no tolerance of further spread, control and management of current infestations and aggressive control in areas otherwise free of these weeds.
Control: Black henbane can be mechanically removed but wear gloves if handling this plant to avoid skin irritation. Chemical control is effective on large infestations. FCWP offers a 40 percent Cost Share on chemicals for controlling this species. Contact your local weed and pest office for further treatment recommendations.
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Lander
332-1052
56 Tweed Ln
Lander, WY 82520
Riverton
856-2192
1446 Cowboy Ln
Riverton, WY 82501