Enchanter's nightshade ©John Bridges
Enchanter's nightshade
Enchanter's nightshade is a hairy plant, with rounded leaves that taper to a fine tip, and clusters of small, pinky-white flowers in summer.
Scientific name
Circaea lutetianaWhen to see
June to AugustSpecies information
Category
Statistics
Height: 20-70cmConservation status
Common.
Habitats
About
Enchanter's nightshade is hairy plant that is actually a member of the willowherb family, rather than being related to deadly nightshade. It can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, gardens and even at the foot of old walls; it especially likes heavy, rich soils. It bears loose clusters of tiny, pinky-white flowers from June to August. Enchanter's nightshade can spread through rhizomes, which are creeping, root-like stems that move through the soil.How to identify
Enchanter's nightshade has opposite oval leaves that are rounded at the base, but more pointed at the tip. Its flowers are very light pink and grow in branching clusters (the 'inflorescence') at the ends of the upright stems.Distribution
Widespread.Did you know?
Despite it's evocative name, there are no known herbal uses or supposed powers attributed to enchanter's nightshade.
Enchanter's nightshade ©John Bridges
Bertie Gregory/2020VISION
