Family: Solanaceae Juss.
Distribution: Europe, Northwestern Africa, Western Asia, Southern Siberia, naturalized in America and Australia.
Ecology: Grows on wasteland, by roadsides, in lowland areas.
Description: An annual or biennial herb with an erect stem, 30–60 cm high, leaves alternate, coarsely toothed, grey-green. Flowers in axils of upper leaves, the petals are greyish-yellow with violet veins, flowers from June to October. The fruit is a many-seeded capsule.
Threat and Protection: The Henbane is an endangered species in some countries (CZ).
Note: All parts of the plant are extremely poisonous. The leaves and stems are used medicinally. But Henbane should be used only under medical supervision.
These images were taken in the Czech Republic, Dunajovické kopce (June 17, 2003 and July 23, 2005).
