04 Apr Weed Wednesday – Black Henbane
Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
This NOXIOUS (which means it must be controlled) and TOXIC weed can act as an annual or biennial and prefers sunny areas with good drainage. While it can be located anywhere, it’s often found in gravel pits and well drained soils with lots of light. While livestock won’t prefer to feed on this poisonous species, toxicity can occur by feeding henbane that has been baled.
This plant only reproduces by seeds, so picking or cutting, bagging, and then burning plants are best prevention methods. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid irritation. Because it is not a strong competitor, this noxious weed can easily be outcompeted by healthy forage or crop. This woody stemmed plant can grow to be more than 1 meter tall with showy pale-yellow flowers with deep purple veins.
For more information on Black Henbane, go to https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.67/yjc.cc8.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/N_FS-Black-henbane.pdf?time=1617028665
See a noxious weed? Contact your local Ag. Fieldman as we may be able to help you with controls.
