White henbane (Hyoscyamus albus) - seeds

All parts of this plant are toxic, including the seeds, even in small amounts. It contains hyoscyamine and scopolamine, tropane alkaloids with serious effects.

• Never ingest, in any form or at any dose
• Do not smoke, inhale, or prepare as an infusion or decoction
• Handle with gloves and wash your hands afterwards
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not plant near a vegetable garden, sandpit or play area
• In case of accidental ingestion, immediately call 15 (French emergency services) or a poison control centre

Sale restricted to adults (18 and over).

A packet of 50 seeds (0.03 gram). They are tiny, greyish and finely pitted.

Sow in spring on the surface, without covering: these seeds need light to germinate. Press them onto a sandy substrate and keep moist by misting, at 18 to 20 °C. Germination takes two to four weeks and remains irregular, which is normal for this species: sow the whole packet rather than counting seeds.

Prick out wearing gloves into small pots, then plant out in full sun, in dry, stony, chalky soil. This is a plant of poor ground: in rich, moist soil, it grows weakly and often rots away.

Annual or biennial depending on sowing date, it forms a spreading then upright clump 30 to 60 cm tall, entirely covered in glandular hairs that make it sticky to the touch and give it a strong, unpleasant smell. The flowers, widely funnel-shaped, are pale yellow to cream, sometimes with a greenish or purplish throat, and follow one another along the stems from May to September. The fruits are capsules set in a hardened calyx, lined up like little cups.

Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) has larger, dull yellow flowers clearly marked with a network of dark purple veins, and a very pronounced purple throat. This one, the white henbane, is uniformly pale. Both are equally toxic.

These seeds are sold as ornamental and botanical collector's seeds. They are not intended for any use involving consumption or preparation. We provide no dosage, no preparation method and no expected effect.

Why not bury the seeds?
Because their germination is triggered by light. This is the most common cause of failure with this species.

Is it cold-hardy?
It tolerates light frosts as a rosette, but it is a plant of the Mediterranean basin: above all it dislikes wet winters. Free-draining soil and a sheltered spot matter more than temperature.

Does it self-seed?
Yes, readily where the soil suits it. Cut off the fruiting stems if you want to keep it in check.

Can it be grown in a pot?
Very well, in a sandy substrate and full sun. It is also the safest way to keep it under control.

Also worth exploring: our other folklore plants and our full range of seeds from around the world.