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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Enchanter's-nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

beetles, flies

Native alternatives to Enchanter's-nightshade

Enchanter's-nightshade is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Erie Drift Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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