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.

Annual or biennial forb

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.

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.

Chilcotin Plateau with limited distribution