Small Enchanter's Nightshade
Circaea alpina
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Small Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea alpina) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Small Enchanter's Nightshade as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Small enchanter's nightshade is a delicate woodland perennial that forms low, spreading patches in shaded areas. It produces tiny white flowers on slender stems during summer months and has heart-shaped leaves. This diminutive native works well as a groundcover in naturalized shade gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Small 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.
- Very small and inconspicuous appearance
- Can look sparse or weedy
- May be mistaken for a weed due to common name
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract bees and flies during the summer blooming period. Seeds may provide food for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Small Enchanter's Nightshade need?
- Small Enchanter's Nightshade grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Small Enchanter's Nightshade bloom?
- Small Enchanter's Nightshade blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Small Enchanter's Nightshade native?
- Small Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea alpina) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Small Enchanter's Nightshade toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Small Enchanter's Nightshade as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Small Enchanter's Nightshade attract?
- Small Enchanter's Nightshade draws bees and flies.
- Is Small Enchanter's Nightshade HOA-friendly?
- Small 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Small Enchanter's Nightshade? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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