Hyoscyamus aureus

Physical Characteristics

Hyoscyamus aureus is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe to W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne The whole plant is analgesic[148]. Caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are very toxic[7, 10, 19, 65, 76, 200]. Symptoms of poisoning include impaired vision, convulsions, coma and death from heart or respiratory failure[238].