Black Henbane Collection

Hyoscyamus niger, black henbane
Watercolour by Arthur Harry Church, 1903. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Henbane, Hyoscyamus niger. Handcoloured lithograph by Hanhart after a botanical illustration by David Blair from Robert
FLO4985202 Henbane, Hyoscyamus niger. Handcoloured lithograph by Hanhart after a botanical illustration by David Blair from Robert Bentley and Henry Trimen's Medicinal Plants, London

Black henbane or stinking nightshade, Hyoscyamus niger. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Dr
FLO4564173 Black henbane or stinking nightshade, Hyoscyamus niger. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Dr. Willibald Artus' Hand-Atlas sammtlicher mediinisch-pharmaceutischer Gewachse

Black henbane, Hyoscyamus niger (Annual black henbane, Hyoscyamus niger annua)
FLO4580897 Black henbane, Hyoscyamus niger (Annual black henbane, Hyoscyamus niger annua). Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Weddell after a botanical illustration by John Curtis from William

Black henbane or stinking nightshade, Hyoscyamus niger. Handcoloured lithograph by Henry Sowerby after an illustration
FLO4638117 Black henbane or stinking nightshade, Hyoscyamus niger. Handcoloured lithograph by Henry Sowerby after an illustration by Edward Hamilton from Edward Hamilton's Flora Homeopathica

Black henbane, Hyoscyamus niger 1, and Peruvian primrose-willow, Ludwigia peruviana 2
5324122 Black henbane, Hyoscyamus niger 1, and Peruvian primrose-willow, Ludwigia peruviana 2 by Dumenil, Auguste (active c.1840); (add.info.: Black henbane, Hyoscyamus niger 1)

Black henbane or stinking nightshade, Hyoscyamus niger, Jusquiame noire
5324466 Black henbane or stinking nightshade, Hyoscyamus niger, Jusquiame noire by Maubert, Louis Joseph Edouard (1806-1879); (add.info.: Black henbane or stinking nightshade, Hyoscyamus niger)

Common Hemlock; Black Henbane; Strong Scented or Poisonous Lettuce; Autumnal Meadow Saferon (coloured engraving)
6005376 Common Hemlock; Black Henbane; Strong Scented or Poisonous Lettuce; Autumnal Meadow Saferon (coloured engraving) by English School

Poisonous plants (colour litho)
3630358 Poisonous plants (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Poisonous plants)

Black henbane, jusquiame noire, Hyoscyamus niger Linn
6337011 Black henbane, jusquiame noire, Hyoscyamus niger Linn by Dupin, the Younger (b.1753); (add.info.: Black henbane, jusquiame noire, Hyoscyamus niger Linn. Jusquiame ordinaire)

Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as henbane, black henbane or stinking nightshade
illustration of a Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as henbane, black henbane or stinking nightshade

Hyoscyamus niger, henbane
Illustration from the Botany Library Plate Collection held at the Natural History Museum, London

Hyoscyamus aureus, golden flowered henbane
Folio 41 from A Collection of Flowers (1795) by John Edwards. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

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Black henbane, scientifically known as Hyoscyamus niger, is a captivating yet dangerous plant that has intrigued botanists and herbalists for centuries. Also referred to as stinking nightshade or jusquiame noire, this poisonous herb possesses an air of mystery and allure. The black henbane's appearance is both striking and ominous. With its vibrant purple flowers contrasting against its dark green leaves, it stands out in any landscape. Its colored engraving showcases the intricate details of this toxic beauty, capturing the essence of its danger. This lethal plant belongs to the same family as common hemlock and shares characteristics with other poisonous plants like strong scented or poisonous lettuce. It thrives in autumnal meadows where it adds a touch of danger to the serene scenery. Despite its deadly nature, it has found a place in medicinal practices throughout history. Ancient healers recognized its potential uses but also understood the risks associated with handling such a potent substance. The medicinal and herbal properties of this plant have been carefully studied over time. Alongside black henbane's notoriety lies another variety called golden flowered henbane (Hyoscyamus aureus). This wildflower composite adds an element of intrigue to an already enigmatic species. However, caution must always be exercised when dealing with these plants due to their highly toxic nature. They have earned their place among German's most poisonous flora—a fact emphasized by various colored engravings depicting their treacherous allure alongside other common poisonous plants. Whether admired from afar or studied for medicinal purposes, black henbane remains a captivating subject within botanical circles. Its scientific name may be Hyoscyamus niger; however, it goes by many names—black henbane being one that evokes curiosity while reminding us all of its potentially fatal consequences.