Enchanter's-nightshades
What are they?
Perennial, spreading herbs that are related to evening-primroses and willowherbs. The species in this genus are rather similar, but only one species occurs on the Isles of Scilly.
Where are they found?
Plants of shady places that may be found as spreading plants in shady gardens and hedgebanks.
Identification
The deeply notched, two-petalled flowers on long stalks, followed by rounded fruits with hook-tipped bristles are diagnostic in our area.
Common Enchanter's-nightshade Circaea lutetiana
Native, but probably also occurring as a garden escape. Rare on the islands but persisting on Tresco and St Mary's. Flowers June to August. A very distinctive plant, often forming sizeable colonies of delicate flower spikes to about 65cm tall.
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