Family:
Solanaceae
Toxic Parts:
all
Toxins:
tropane alkaloids, atropine
Flower Color:
  • flower color
  • flower color
Found:
woodlands

Geographical Distribution

Henbane bell distribution - United States

Related Species

Henbane Bell

Scopolia carniolica

European Scopolia
8/ 10
The European scopolia (Scopolia carniolica), also known as the henbane bell, is a highly poisonous plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is an attractive looking perennial which produces dangling dark violet to rust-red flowers on long hanging stems. Its toxicity derives from its high levels of tropane alkaloids, particularly atropine, which is concentrated especially in the root of the plant. S. carniolica resembles atopia belladonna in its appearance and toxins. S. carniolica is native to Europe, but found worldwide.

In Eastern Europe, S. carniolica was often planted in gardens for its medical and aphrodisiac properties. It is claimed that women used the plant to persuade young men to become their lovers. Once powdered, S. carniolica acts as a sedative to curb excessive sexual vigor. Today, scopolia root is commonly brewed with beer and added to anti-nausea medicines in the pharmaceutical industry.