Black Henbane

Description

Black henbane (stinking nightshade) was introduced into North America from the Mediterranean as an ornamental and medicinal plant in the 17th century. It grows up to 1m tall and the plant is covered in small hairs (much like tomato plants). It has tubular green-yellow flowers with purple veins and a purple center.

Type

Annual or biennial forb

Habitat & Impacts

It grows well in a wide range of conditions but does require well-drained soil and is not tolerant of shade. Black henbane is narcotic and poisonous to humans. Livestock avoid grazing it unless other forage is not available.

Method of Spread

Black henbane reproduces exclusively by seed. A single plant can produce up to half a million seeds in one season. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for about 4 years.

Location

Chilcotin Plateau with limited distribution

Mechanical

Mowing is effective, but difficult due to its thick, tough stem. Hand-pulling is effective; however, protective clothing and gloves should be worn to prevent rashes. Mature plants can be burned after pulling to kill the seeds.

Chemical

Picloram, dicamba, metsulfuron, 2,4-D, and Glyphosphate can be used pre-bloom.

Biological

There is no biocontrol currently available for black henbane

CCCIPC Priority & Treatment Strategy

Priority 1 (new invader) in Chilcotin, not found in any other areas in the province. Eradication is the management objective.

Local Level

Hand pulling small infestations

Landscape Level

Chemical control for larger sites