How much sun does Enchanter's-nightshade need?

Enchanter's-nightshade grows best in shade conditions.

When does Enchanter's-nightshade bloom?

Enchanter's-nightshade blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Enchanter's-nightshade native?

Enchanter's-nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) is native to RI, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Enchanter's-nightshade attract?

Enchanter's-nightshade draws beetles and flies.

Is Enchanter's-nightshade HOA-friendly?

Enchanter's-nightshade takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Enchanter's-nightshade

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Circaea lutetiana

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

beetles, flies

Enchanter's-nightshade is a delicate woodland perennial with small white flowers that bloom from summer into early fall. This shade-loving native grows in low clumps with heart-shaped leaves and tiny hooked fruits that follow the flowers. It spreads slowly by underground rhizomes to form gentle colonies in moist, shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Enchanter's-nightshade takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Name contains 'nightshade' which may concern neighbors
Small flowers and foliage can appear weedy to untrained eyes
Hooked seeds stick to clothing and pets

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract beetles and flies during the long blooming period from June through September. The plant provides modest wildlife value as a native groundcover in woodland settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Enchanter's-nightshade need?: Enchanter's-nightshade grows best in shade conditions.
When does Enchanter's-nightshade bloom?: Enchanter's-nightshade blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Enchanter's-nightshade native?: Enchanter's-nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) is native to RI, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Enchanter's-nightshade attract?: Enchanter's-nightshade draws beetles and flies.
Is Enchanter's-nightshade HOA-friendly?: Enchanter's-nightshade takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Enchanter's-nightshade? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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