SafePlants

Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana)

Enchanter's Nightshade, also commonly known as Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade, is a perennial herbaceous plant found in various habitats.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces fruits with hooked spines, which could potentially attach to animal fur.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces fruits with hooked spines, which could potentially attach to clothing.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Circaea lutetiana L.
• Common Names: Enchanter's Nightshade, Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade, Broadleaved Enchanter's Nightshade, Canada Enchanter's Nightshade, Yellowish Enchanter's Nightshade
• Family: Onagraceae (Evening-Primrose Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms:
  • Ocimastrum verrucarium
  • Circea
  • Circaea latifolia
• Subspecies:
  • Circaea lutetiana L. subsp. canadensis (L.) Asch. & Magnus
  • Circaea canadensis subsp. canadensis

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in woods.
• Native to Europe and the Middle East.
• Also found in North America, including Minnesota and Ionia County.
• Prefers locations such as Middle Run Valley, North Pawtuckaway Mountain, Lake Kagawong, Manitoulin Island, and Ontario.

Morphological Characteristics

• Erect perennial forb.
• Grows 1 to 2 feet in height.
• Green, usually unbranched stem.
• Small, erect plant.
• Tiny white flowers produced at the top of a single stem with only two petals.
• Fruit bodies are round and very hairy.
• Fruits with hooked spines to enable animal dispersal.
• Loose raceme of 1/8 to -inch flowers.

Ecological Role

• Fruits have hooked spines for animal dispersal.

Quirky Facts

• Other names include Great Witch Herb, Wood Magic Herb, Paris Nightshade, Herb of St. Etienne, and Southern Broadleaf Nightshade, suggesting historical or traditional uses associated with magic and folklore.

Further Information

• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Dave's Garden
• Insect Visitors of Illinois