Circaea lutetiana aka Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade

Circaea lutetiana is a herbaceous perennial called enchanter's nightshade. It belongs to the Onagraceae family. Its native range covers much of Europe, including Britain. It also reaches North Africa and parts of temperate Asia. The RHS records it as native to Britain and Ireland. In Britain, it grows in woods and other shady places. These sites have moist soil rich in bases. PFAF records it at elevations up to 1,181 feet [360 metres].

The plant grows upright and loses its leaves each year. The RHS gives a garden height of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Its spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The same profile describes stems reaching about 2.3 feet [0.7 metres]. Oval leaves grow along these erect stems. Each leaf measures about 0.13–0.33 feet [0.04–0.1 metres] long. Below ground, vigorous rhizomes help the plant spread. This growth allows it to form woodland ground cover. Plants take two to five years to reach full size.

Small white flowers appear in summer, above the leaves. They grow along spikes rather than among the lower foliage. Each flower measures just 0.013–0.026 feet [0.004–0.008 metres] across. Their small size gives the flower spikes a fine scale. The upright stems and low spread suit ground-cover planting. The RHS lists both ground cover and wildlife gardens as uses. Its woodland habit also suits shaded parts of a garden.

Grow this species in full shade or partial shade. It does well in rich soil that stays moist. The RHS specifies moist soil with good drainage. It accepts clay or loam and a broad pH range. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all fall within that range. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6 for UK conditions. Gardeners can raise plants from seed or divide existing clumps. It needs no pruning, according to the RHS. The same source reports few problems with pests or disease.

PFAF lists no known edible uses for this species. It also reports no known hazards, without establishing food safety. Historical medicinal uses include treating wounds and washing injured areas. PFAF also records people drinking a mixed infusion containing it. These records describe past use, not proven treatment benefits. PFAF assigns it a low medicinal rating.