Enchanter's nightshade - Circaea canadensis (L.) Hill
Enchanter’s Nightshade – Circaea canadensis (L.) Hill
Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family)
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.
