Henbane Bell / Russian Belladonna (Scopolia carniolica) seeds
- Rather plain medicinal and poisonous plant that's presumably a part of old witches' ointment recipes.
- Contents: Approx. 20 seeds
- Open-pollinated variety, seed tested regularly
€2.99
Description
Mystical Nightshade Plant from the Old World
Known as Henbane Bell or Carniolan Belladonna (Scopolia carniolica), this mysterious plant belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The genus is named after the naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli and originates from the shady woodlands of south-eastern Europe—particularly the historical region of Carniola (present-day Slovenia)—as well as parts of Asia extending to Japan.
With its bell-shaped, reddish-brown flowers and broad, ovate, glossy green leaves, Scopolia carniolica possesses a striking, almost eerie presence. In Eastern European folk magic and herbalism, it was revered as a magical and ritual plant, comparable to the mandrake. Traditional medicine made use of its atropine-rich compounds—primarily for their antispasmodic and anaesthetic properties.
Historically, henbane bell—like henbane and mandrake—was added to beer prior to the introduction of the Purity Law to enhance its psychoactive effects. However, due to the presence of tropane alkaloids, the plant is highly toxic and is now cultivated solely for ornamental or research purposes.
Warning: All parts of this plant are extremely poisonous and it must never be grown in gardens accessible to young children or pets!
Plant profile
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Species | Solanaceae |
| Characteristics | Poisonous plant |
| Eventual height | 20-60 cm |
| Flower colour | Black, White |
| Flowering months | August, July, June, October, September |
| Main harvest | -, Vor der Blüte |
| Root system | Deep roots |
Growing instructions
| When to sow outdoors | April, August, May, September |
|---|---|
| Sowing depth | 0 cm |
| Germination temperature | 18-24° C |
| Germination time | 1-4 weeks, 2-6 weeks |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Planting distance | 75 cm |
Sowing and care
Sowing and Care of Scopolia carniolica
- Plant type: Perennial shade-loving plant, rarely cultivated
- Position: Semi-shaded to shaded; moist, humus-rich, and cool soil
- Sowing: Sow in autumn or spring with cold stratification
- Germination: Irregular; often occurs only after a period of cold (either natural or simulated in the refrigerator)
- Care: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; plant in a sheltered location
- Uses: Botanical collections, display gardens, scientific research
Scopolia carniolica is a fascinating and botanically significant plant with strong historical associations in cultivated plant heritage — not intended for consumption or medicinal use, but appreciated as a remarkable relic of traditional plant culture.
Other names
Botanical name: Scopolia carniolica, Hyoscyamus scopolia
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