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Common Henbane

Hyoscyamus niger

Last reviewed: August 2026

Common Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Photo: Chilepine (talk · contribs) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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

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Wondering what could grow where Common Henbane is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

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Common 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.

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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.

See all plant problem guides

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