Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana)

Family: Onagraceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Circaea lutetiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Diptera. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods and shady places on a moist, base-rich soil, throughout Britain to 360 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)