Black Henbane, Common Henbane, Stinking Nightshade
The fact that the black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is related to the potato and tomato is not obvious at first glance. It belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
It is not edible, however, but contains psychoactive substances such as hyoscyamine and is therefore used as a witch plant.
Hyoscyamus niger grows as an annual or, if the seeds do germinate in late summer, as a biennial. The Henbane then overwinters and flowers the next year.
Depending on the location, it flowers from May to October and grows up to one metre high.
Black Henbane inhabits roadsides, weedy areas and rubble patches.
