Enchanter's-nightshade
Circaea lutetiana
Circaea lutetiana, known as broad-leaved enchanter's nightshade, is a plant in the evening primrose family, Onagraceae.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circaea_lutetiana
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Myrtales
Family
Onagraceae
Genus
Circaea
Enchanter's-nightshade belongs to the family Onagraceae, order Myrtales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Circaea lutetiana, known as broad-leaved enchanter's nightshade, is a plant in the evening primrose family, Onagraceae.
Enchanter's-nightshade faces increasing pressure from habitat fragmentation and loss of its preferred woodland environments due to urbanization, agricultural expansion, and intensive forest management practices. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the cool, moist conditions this species requires, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native forest understory habitats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Enchanter's-nightshade inhabits moist, shaded deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly in rich, humus-laden soils of forest understories. The species thrives in cool, damp environments including woodland edges, stream banks, and areas with consistent moisture and partial to full shade.
Threats
Habitat fragmentation and forest loss
Urban and agricultural development
Climate change and warming temperatures
Intensive forest management practices
Invasive species competition
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Enchanter's-nightshade (Circaea lutetiana). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/enchanters-nightshade