ENCHANTER’S NIGHTSHADE
Circaea lutetiana ssp. canadensis
EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY (Onagraceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - Late June, July, Early August
- Uncommon in moist, shaded woodlands at FF and NW
- Cluster (raceme) of delicate flowers rising above the leaves
- Opposite leaf pairs at right angles to ones above or below
- Round, hairy seed capsule
This erect native perennial resident of our woodlands grows up to 3 feet tall. It has pointed oval leaves with small marginal teeth (A). Each pair of opposite leaves occurs at right angles to the one above or below. The small, delicate white flowers grow in an elongated cluster (raceme) (B). It is one of our few 2-petaled flowers, but the petals are deeply cut to appear as four (B). The seed develops in a globose capsule covered with hooked hairs well designed to stick to anything that comes near (C).
This uncommon plant grows in shaded woodlands at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. It blooms from mid-June through early August.
The scientific and common names are based on the mythical enchantress, Circe, of Homer’s Odyssey.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.