Enchanter's nightshade - Circaea canadensis (L.) Hill

A photo of enchanter's nightshade with leaves that are oblong with toothed edges.

Enchanter's nightshade - Circaea canadensis (L.) Hill

Enchanter’s Nightshade – Circaea lutetiana L. ssp. canadensis (L.) Hill

Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family)

MI Status

Native

Life Cycle

Perennial

Leaves

The leaves are opposite and are up to 5” long and 3” wide. They have toothed edges, egg-shaped to oblong, and taper to a point. The petioles are 1-2” long. Leaves tend to become smaller toward the top of the plant.

Stems

The main stem is unbranched, and white hairs may be present. The central stem terminates in a raceme of flowers.

Flowers and fruit

Each flower consists of 2 white petals that are deeply divided into 2 lobes. The flower stalks are covered in short white hairs. The base of each flower contains a 2-celled ovary that is green and covered with stiff hooked hairs. Each cell contains a single tear-drop-shaped seed. When mature, the hooked hairs can attach themselves to animal fur or human clothing for seed dispersion.

Reproduction

Seeds and rhizomes.

The photo is of enchanter's nightshade with oblong, green leaves that have toothed margins. — Enchanter's nightshade leaf

The photo is the stems of enchanter's nightshade. The main stem is unbranched and white hairs may be present. — Enchanter's nightshade stem

The photo is of enchanter's nightshade fruit. The fruit is a 2 celled ovary that is green and covered with stiff hooked hairs. — Enchanter's nightshade fruit

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