Black henbane

Black henbane is native to Eurasia and was introduced to North America in the 17th century as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Black henbane can be found in disturbed open sites, roadsides, rangeland, pastures and waste areas. It is primarily found in sandy or well drained loam soils with moderate fertility. It does not tolerate water logged soils. In British Columbia, black henbane is limited in distribution. There are confirmed sightings in the Okanagan-Similkameen, Cariboo, Thompson-Nicola and East Kootenay regions. 

• Outcompetes native vegetation and desirable forage species. 
• Reduces plant biodiversity. 
• Contains toxic alkaloids that are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include impaired vision, convulsions, coma, and death from heart or respiratory failure. Livestock will usually avoid black henbane because of its foul odour, unless other forage is unavailable.  

Black henbane is a Provincially Prohibited Species and sightings should be reported via the BC Report Invasives phone app or online. For more information, go to: www.gov.bc.ca/invasive-species.

 The most effective way to ensure that your lands do not become infested with black henbane is by prevention. Here are some recommendations to prevent invasion on your property: 

• Maintain your crops and natural lands in a healthy, vigorous condition to ensure a competitive plant community; competitive perennial grasses and forbs utilize water and nutrients that would otherwise be readily available to black henbane. 
• Regularly patrol your property for black henbane plants and immediately control or remove infestations before seed set.  
• Immediately re-vegetate disturbed, bare soils with a suitable seed mixture that provides dense, early colonization to prevent weed invasion.  
• Ensure soil, gravel and fill material are not contaminated. Do not move contaminated soils to a new area.  
• Avoid unloading, parking, or storing equipment and vehicles in infested areas.  

• Mowing is effective but can be difficult because of the thick, tough stem.  
• Hand-pulling or digging can be done for small infestations or individual plants prior to seed production. Pulling when the soil is moist improves the chance of removing the entire root. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin irritation from this plant. 
• Grazing is not an option as black henbane is toxic if ingested by livestock. 
• All removed plant parts should be bagged and disposed of at the landfill.  
• Chemical control is also an option. Before applying herbicides, read the label for full use and precautionary instructions.  
• For further information on the selection and application of chemicals to protect your crop, contact AgriService BC at 1-888-221-7141 or email AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca.  
• There are currently no biocontrol agents (natural insect enemies) available for use in B.C.