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Small Enchanter's Nightshade

Circaea alpina

Last reviewed: September 2026

Small Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea alpina)
Photo: (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaSouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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.

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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.

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