Minnesota Wildflowers


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Circaea lutetiana (Enchanter's Nightshade)

Plant Info
Also known as: Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade
Genus:Circaea
Family:Onagraceae (Evening Primrose)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:shade; moist woods, thickets
Bloom season:June - August
Plant height:1 to 2 feet
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 4-petals raceme

[photo of flowers] Tiny flowers about 1/8 inch in diameter with long stamens in a loosely arranged spike. Individual flowers have 2 divided petals that can look like 4, and 2 petal-like sepals that point away from the flower. Color is white, but fading flowers may turn pink or deep red. Beneath the sepals is a round calyx covered in white hairs.

Leaves and stem: opposite simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are up to 6 inches long and 4 inches wide, have toothed edges, and taper to a point at the tip. Leaves become rather smaller towards the top of the plant. Attachment is opposite. Stem is covered in fine hairs, especially at the top of the plant, but may become smooth with age.

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  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

All photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, June 2006

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Karen in Mille Lacs, western side
on: 2011-07-20 15:53:32

Bountiful in the area with delicate pink flowers.

Posted by: Carrie Anne in Crow Wing County
on: 2011-07-24 21:17:51

I was just at my parents little spot up north in Ross Lake Township of Crow Wing County (by Aitkin), and I just successfully ID'ed these growing quite well among a host of ferns, grasses, maples, pines, and birch trees. They are just off of Stark Lake. They reminded me of bishop's cap at first. So lovely in the forest, it's amazing how many people miss noticing these small beauties.

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