Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade
Circaea canadensis (sir-KAY-ah kan-ah-DEN-sis)
Broadleaf enchanter's nightshade is a native herbaceous perennial wildflower in the evening primrose family (Onagraceae), native of European Russia to North Central Japan, Central and Southeastern Canada, and North Central to Southeastern United States. It is found in moist, shaded woods or thickets, forming small colonies. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and has a green, unbranched main stem. The delicate flowers appear on a terminal raceme and are sparsely scattered, with white to pinkish blooms that are 2-petaled and deeply notched. Its leaves are medium to deep green, oval to oblong, with toothed margins. Its fruits appear soon after flowering and present as a bristly or bur-like capsule that easily attaches to animals and to our clothing. The genus name Circaea is derived from Greek mythology and refers to the Greek goddess and enchantress, Circe, known for her knowledge of herbs. The specific epithet, canadensis , means "of Canada." Prefers dappled sunlight or medium shade and grows in rich, moist, to medium-dry, organically rich to loamy soils. It spreads by short rhizomes and seeds. Deer like to browse this plant, and the nectar and pollen attract carpenter bees. The fruit capsule easily attaches to wildlife such as animal fur or to birds' feathers, dispersing the seeds. In North Carolina, this wildflower is common in the mountain region and in the northern portions of the Piedmont and Central Coastal Plain. The small white flowers bloom from June through August, and the fruits appear from July to September. This native wildflower can be used in a woodland setting, naturalized area, or shade garden. Reportedly, this plant is becoming popular with native plant enthusiasts. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Caterpillars, beetles, and sawflies chew on the foliage. Deer will sometimes browse the leaves. This plant can easily spread and may need to be controlled.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 55 attributes.