Weed Control
Home ⟩ Noxious Weeds ⟩ White and Green Flowering Plants ⟩ Black Henbane
Black Henbane
Information | Images
Hyoscyamus niger
Annual or biennial
Identification and management tips
- Black henbane has brownish yellow flowers with purple veins and purple center and flowers from June to September.
- Black henbane is narcotic and poisonous to humans and livestock, and has a foul odor.
- For small infestations hand-pulling or digging can be effective if the taproot is entirely removed. Plants with mature fruits should be put in bags after removal to prevent seed dispersal.
- Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling the plants to prevent rashes.
- The area must be monitored for new seedlings for at least four years.
- For large infestations, a systemic herbicide, such as glyphosate, can be applied. Glyphosate is nonselective, but should provide effective control.
- Good vegetative cover considerably reduces the chance of infestation.
Most effective control methods and timing
| March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Prev Mech Chem |
Prev Mech Chem |
Prev Mech |
Prev Mech |
Prev Mech |
Prev Mech |
Prevention (Prev) Monitor and destroy new plants before seed production.
Mechanical (Mech) Hand pulling, digging, cutting, mowing and tilling.
Cultural (Cult) Biological control agents, livestock grazing, and revegetation practices.
Chemical (Chem) Selective herbicides based on the plant and the specific location. Check our weed fact sheets for specific control information.
Links
- University of Idaho: Idaho Weed Resources
- University of Nevada Cooperative Extension: Managing Black Henbane
Photo credits
Left to right:
- Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, , Bugwood.org,
- Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org,
- Jan Samanek, State Phytosa