Small Enchanter's Nightshade
Circaea alpina
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Aleutian Is., Austria, Baltic States, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuril Is., Labrador, Myanmar, Nepal, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Prince Edward I., Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, United States, Vietnam, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © ruthiealdrich (iNaturalist #13408238)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Onagraceae
- Genus:
- Circaea
- Species:
- Circaea alpina
- USDA Symbol:
- CIAL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded, forested environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 71 to 112 days.
Establishment: C. alpina is found in moist forests throughout the northern hemisphere.
Source: npn.rngr.net