08/27/2026
⚠️ BLACK HENBANE — KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THIS ONE
I’ve now found black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) on two properties here in the Crowsnest Pass this summer, so it’s worth knowing what you’re looking at.
Black henbane is designated a Noxious W**d in Alberta, which means it is legally required to be controlled under the Alberta W**d Control Act.
And there’s good reason for that.
🌿 The entire plant is poisonous if ingested. It contains potent tropane alkaloids, including hyoscyamine and scopolamine, and can cause serious poisoning in humans, pets and livestock.
🌱 It produces a LOT of seed. One mature plant can produce thousands of seeds, creating a seed bank in the soil that can keep producing new plants for years.
🔎 What to look for:
• Large, coarse, hairy and sticky leaves
• Pale yellow/tan bell-shaped flowers
• Distinctive dark purple veins and centres in the flowers
• Hairy seed capsules as the plant matures
• Often shows up in disturbed ground, roadsides, driveways, pastures and waste areas
The two infestations I’ve encountered this year were caught and treated, however this is definitely not a w**d I’d recommend ignoring or allowing to go to seed.
If you live in the Crowsnest Pass, take a look around your property. If you see something that looks like this and aren’t sure what it is, send me a photo. I’m always happy to help identify it.
Early identification and control makes a massive difference with w**ds like this.
