Enchanter's Nightshade
Scientific Name:Circaea lutetiana )
Other name: Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade
Family: OnagraceaeThis ia a perennial and a member of the Onagraceae Family found throughout the British Isles. It prefers shaded, damp areas and spreads by means of white, cylindrical rhizomes.
In classical mythology Circe the witch is said to have used this plant to turn the shipmates of Ulysses into pigs - hence the scientific or botanical name. It is a food plant for the Elephant Hawk-moth
The oval leaves narrow to a point and are rounded or slightly notched at the base, with a hairy stalk. They are arranged in opposite pairs on upright, hairy stems which are from 20 to 70 cm high depending on local conditions.
The white flowers are held on a long spike above the leaves and appear from June to August. They are pollinated by flies and the small, round, hairy fruits develop later.It is not usually a problem weed, and is quite pretty in a woodland garden. It is easily uprooted, but any remaining underground stems will produce new topgrowth.
Weedkillers to use:-
Glyphosate is systemic so is taken down to the roots.Follow these links for further details on Weeds, Weed Removal and Weed Prevention.