Spotting a new plant on my patch is always exciting. At the beginning of the month I spotted this plant.
Which after a bit of research turned out to be Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana).
A new plant on my patch, I’ve since seen it in several other locations. Have I overlooked it before, or is it entirely new to my area?
Not related to the nightshade family it is actually a member of the Willowherb family. It isn’t poisonous, but is inedible, and is very high in tannins.
It’s a favourite plant of Elephant Hawk moth caterpillars and Small Phoenix moths.
Known as Circaea lutetiana in Latin.
Named after the goddess Circe. It's said to have enchanting powers. Circe was known for her knowledge of herbs that made transformations. Lutetia is the Latin name for Paris. Parisian botanists claimed this species was the magic charm used in the story of Circe turning Ulysses crew into pigs.
Enchanter’s nightshade has been used to treat wounds and as a flavouring in Austrian tea. But doesn't appear to have any other medicinal properties.
It is however an enchanting plant on closer inspection. The flowers look like tiny butterflies about to fly, and all parts of the plant grow in perfect pairs.
Have you noticed anything new on your patch this month?
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