HEN-BANE, in botany, a genus of the pentandria monogynia clas. The corolla is obtuse and funnel shaped; the stamens are inclined; and the capsule is operculated, and consists of two cells. There are six species, only one of which, viz. the niger, or common hen-bane, is a native of Britain. The leaves, &c. of this plant are highly narcotic and poisonous, and now disfavored in practice.