Hyoscyamus albus — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Hyoscyamus albus

Hyoscyamus Albus

Updated · 1,278 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Hyoscyamus albus, the white henbane or yellow henbane, is a plant in the family of Solanaceae. It is native to Southern Europe, North Africa, West Asia and Macaronesia.

A note from PlantMom

White henbane is largely disease-resistant and generally not vulnerable to many illnesses. It can, however, be affected by pests and diseases present in its surroundings, though such infections are usually mild. Carewise, the plant needs a moderate level of maintenance. Regular pruning is necessary to preserve its appearance and healthy growth, and applying fertilizer can help encourage flowering. This species is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, like a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive care experience. When grown indoors it may require more attention.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Hyoscyamus Albus.

Light

White henbane does best in places that receive plentiful sunlight each day. This preference for light is due to the environment it naturally grows in, where it is accustomed to abundant rays. A shortage of sunlight can hinder its growth, while excessive exposure usually does not cause problems.

Water

White henbane thrives in dry, open areas with little moisture, demonstrating strong drought tolerance. It needs only light watering once a week to stay healthy. Ideally, white henbane grows better outdoors, as it benefits from seasonal rains that match its growth cycles. This natural alignment enhances its resilience to changing water availability.

Temperature

White henbane originates from temperate areas and does best at temperatures of 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). In colder months, indoor heating or insulated growing enclosures can help maintain its preferred temperature.

Fertilizer

White henbane does well with regular, dilute fertilizer applications to encourage healthy leaf development. Fertilize White henbane about once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is important for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich fertilizers helps White henbane thrive.

Pruning

White henbane is a toxic perennial herb with yellow flowers. Prune it from early to late spring, removing dead stems to encourage growth and improve air circulation, which reduces the risk of disease. Be cautious when handling the plant due to its toxicity. Regular light trimming can also help shape it.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Genus
Hyoscyamus
Family
Solanaceae
Hardiness Zone
6-9
Mature Height
30 cm to 49 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green, Yellow Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Green
Flower Size
2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Summer, Fall
Native Area
Saudi Arabia, Libya, Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, Montenegro, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Morocco, Ukraine, Lebanon, Russia, Serbia, Iraq, Syria, Italy, Spain, France, Albania, Algeria, Romania, Portugal
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en White henbane en Golden henbane en Russian Henbane ar البنج الابيض
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my White henbane?

There are various ways to water White henbane, including using a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a watering can. White henbane is not too particular about the type of water it receives and can survive with rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. It's best to avoid watering from above as it can harm the leaves and flowers and potentially lead to disease. A drip irrigation system is often the most effective method for watering, as it evenly and directly applies water to the soil. When watering a White henbane in a container, you can use a cup, watering can, or tap to water the soil directly.

How much sunlight does White henbane need?

White henbane requires full sun, meaning it needs above 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive. It's essential to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to find the best spots that offer a good balance of light and shade, ensuring the plants' well-being. White henbane is accustomed to an abundance of daily sunshine due to its natural habitat, and insufficient sunlight could negatively affect its growth. However, it generally tolerates excessive sunlight without significant problems.

What is the native temperature range for growing White henbane?

White henbane, botanically known as Hyoscyamus albus, is native to temperate regions and thrives best in temperatures ranging from 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). It's vital to maintain these temperature conditions for optimal growth. During colder seasons, measures such as indoor heating or the use of insulated growing enclosures can be helpful to ensure the plant remains within its preferred temperature range. Despite its strong cold resistance, if winter temperatures are forecasted to drop below -25°C, implementing cold protection measures, such as covering the plant with soil or straw, is advisable. Additionally, watering the plant abundantly before the first freeze in autumn is recommended to keep the soil moist, which mitigates water scarcity during winter and early spring.

What should I do if I give my White henbane plant too much or too little water?

To avoid underwatering White henbane, simply start watering it more regularly when you notice it lacks moisture. Overwatering can be a bigger problem, leading to diseases and the plant's decline. To prevent this, choose a sunny location with good soil drainage. If you overwater a potted White henbane, consider repotting it with loose soil in a pot that drains well.

What are the symptoms of insufficient or excessive light in White henbane?

Symptoms of insufficient light in White henbane include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, and potentially chlorosis. Excessive sunlight can cause sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, leaf scorching, and chlorosis. These symptoms indicate the plant's struggle with inappropriate light levels, affecting its health and growth.

How does White henbane react to low temperatures?

White henbane is known for its cold tolerance, with an ideal thriving temperature over 20°C. During the winter months, it's essential to keep the temperature above 0°C to prevent damage. In cases where temperatures fall below -25°C, White henbane may not show immediate adverse signs during winter; however, there might be a noticeable decrease in sprouting, or an absence of it, by springtime. To counteract these effects, it's recommended to remove any parts of the plant that have failed to sprout in spring, allowing for rejuvenation and healthy regrowth.

How frequently should I give water to my White henbane plant?

White henbane requires regular watering throughout the growing season. In spring, water the plant once a week. As the season progresses and it gets warmer, increase watering to two or three times per week. However, be careful not to exceed this rate as it can be harmful to the plant. It is important to keep the soil relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you water. Watering White henbane in a pot is slightly different. Due to the faster drying process in a pot, you will need to water container-grown plants more frequently. In most cases, this means watering a few times per week compared to once a week for plants in the ground.

What solutions can help White henbane receive adequate sunlight?

To ensure White henbane receives adequate sunlight, gradually move indoor plants to a sunnier location each week until they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, utilizing south-facing windows and keeping curtains open. If moving the plant isn't feasible, consider using artificial light, such as a desk or ceiling lamp for at least 8 hours daily or investing in professional grow lights. For outdoor plants, adjusting their location gradually to avoid sunburn is key. If sunlight is blocked, pruning trees or transplanting smaller plants during their dormant period to a sunnier location with good drainage can help. Note that parts of the plant affected by insufficient sunlight may not fully recover, but new growth should be healthy with improved light exposure.

How does White henbane react to high temperatures and what are the solutions?

During the summer, it is critical to ensure that White henbane's surrounding temperature does not exceed 35°C. Exposure to temperatures above 38°C can lead to several stress responses including the leaves turning lighter in color, curling, becoming susceptible to sunburn, and in severe cases, the plant may wilt and dry out completely. To mitigate such effects, it's advisable to trim away the sunburned and dried parts of the plant. Relocating the plant to a shadier spot or using a shade cloth to protect it from the midday and afternoon sun can prevent further damage. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and evening helps keep the soil moist and supports plant health under high temperature conditions.

How much water does my White henbane plant need?

Determining the right amount of water for your White henbane can be approached in a couple of ways. One approach is to feel the soil for moisture and water until the top six inches feel moist. Another option is to use a set measurement, such as around two gallons per week, depending on factors like temperature and how fast the soil dries out. However, following strict guidelines could lead to overwatering if your plant actually needs less. When growing White henbane in a container, you need to follow a different method. In this case, you should water enough to moisten all dry layers of soil. To check, you can stick your finger in the soil or observe if there's a slight trickle of excess water from the pot's drainage holes.

How can artificial lighting be used for indoor White henbane plants?

Indoor White henbane plants require adequate lighting, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient. Artificial lights, such as LED lights, can provide vital support by offering customizable wavelengths essential for the plant's growth. For full sun plants, 30-50W per square foot is recommended, with 20-30W for partial sun plants, and 10-20W for full shade plants. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, and the duration should mimic natural daylight hours, generally between 8-12 hours per day. This approach helps in promoting faster, healthier growth.

How can I know if I am giving enough water to my White henbane?

Avoiding overwatering for White henbane can be challenging. These plants have deep roots, so weekly watering is necessary. However, they are highly vulnerable to root rot, which can cause browning. Unlike underwatering, which White henbane can tolerate for some time, going too long without watering can lead to wilting and dry leaves.

PLATES
Hyoscyamus albus leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Hyoscyamus albus leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Hyoscyamus albus flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Hyoscyamus albus flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Hyoscyamus albus fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Hyoscyamus albus fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
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