Black Henbane

Hyoscyamus niger L.

Family: Solanaceae (nightshade family)

Synonyms

Common henbane, hogbean, stinking nightshade

Description

A sticky-haired herb with stems 20 to 80 centimetres long, usually lying flat, which grows on scree slopes and at the edges of fields. During the flowering season from June to October, henbane bears dirty-yellow flowers with purple veins. The fruit consists of fused carpels which split open when ripe, releasing grey-brown seeds (capsule fruit). 

All parts of the plant, particularly the leaves and seeds, contain tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, hyoscyamine).

Symptoms of poisoning

• Ingestion of the leaves or seeds may cause nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, urinary retention, agitation, confusion, visual disturbances, dry skin, dry mouth, elevated body temperature and respiratory paralysis.

First Aid

• Remove any plant matter from the mouth if possible.
• If swallowed, give the person a cup of water or tea to drink.
• If you suspect oral ingestion, contact a Poison Centre immediately.
• If the child has ingested a large amount or is showing symptoms and a Poison Centre cannot be reached immediately, call an ambulance.