SafePlants

Small Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea alpina)

Small Enchanter's Nightshade, scientifically known as Circaea alpina, is a delicate plant often found in moist, cool, and damp forest understories. It's easily overlooked due to its small size and unassuming nature.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces small bur-like fruits that can attach to fur.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces small bur-like fruits that can attach to clothing.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Circaea alpina L.
• Common Names: Small Enchanter's Nightshade, Alpine Enchanter's Nightshade, Dwarf Enchanter's Nightshade, Small Enchanter's-nightshade, Alpine Circaea
• Family: Willowherb Family (Onagraceae or Evening Primrose Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Subspecies:
  • Circaea alpina ssp. alpina
  • Circaea alpina ssp. pacifica
• Synonyms: There may be other names or classifications used depending on the database.

Distribution and Habitat

• This plant prefers moist, cool areas such as moist to wet woods and mossy bogs.
• It is found in various locations, including Minnesota, Mackinac County (Michigan), and the Columbia River Gorge.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant typically grows to a height of 3-10 inches (approximately 60-70 cm, but usually smaller than Circaea lutetiana).
• Its leaves are chordate (heart-shaped) and indented.
• The flowers are small (approximately 4 mm in diameter), white, and appear from pink buds on slender stems.
• The fruit is a small bur, measuring 3.5-5mm.

Ecological Role

• It can spread by both seed and rhizomes, often forming small colonies.
• The fruit's bur-like structure aids in dispersal via zoochory (animal dispersal), attaching to clothing and fur.
• It can coexist with other plants, even invasive species like Impatiens parviflora.

Quirky Facts

• Despite its common name including "Nightshade," it is *not* in the Nightshade family (Solanaceae). It belongs to the Willowherb or Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae).
• The small flowers often require close examination to appreciate their delicate structure.

Further Information

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Focused on preserving North America's native plants.