Common Henbane
Hyoscyamus niger
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Common Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Common Henbane
Common Henbane is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaCommon henbane is a tall annual herb with funky bell-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring through fall. This plant is extremely toxic to humans and animals if ingested. It has a somewhat weedy appearance and can self-seed readily.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common Henbane takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Highly toxic plant poses serious safety liability
- Weedy appearance looks unkempt
- Can spread aggressively by self-seeding
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during its long blooming period from May through September.
Common questions
- How much sun does Common Henbane need?
- Common Henbane grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Common Henbane bloom?
- Common Henbane blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does Common Henbane attract?
- Common Henbane draws bees and beetles.
- Is Common Henbane HOA-friendly?
- Common Henbane takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Common Henbane? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz