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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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.

Small Enchanter's Nightshade

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Circaea alpina

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 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 Small 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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