Enchanter's Nightshade is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, water margins and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 60cm.
Enchanter's Nightshade takes its name from the association of its genus name 'Circaea' with Circe, an enchantress in Greek mythology who used herbs and potions. Despite the name 'Nightshade' this plant is in the Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae) rather than the Nightshade family (Solanaceae).
Botanic classification and naming: Enchanter's Nightshade is a member of the Evening Primrose (Onagraceae) family. The genus name
'Circaea' identifies the plant as a Enchanter's Nightshade and its species name 'lutetiana' means 'Parisian plant'.
Concerns: A toxic plant, but with low toxicity compared with Woody Nightshade and Deadly Nightshade.
Benefits: Pollinated by Sweat bees, Small Carpenter bees, hoverflies and flies and a food source for deer and caterpillars of the Elephant Hawk Moth.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
|