Circaea Mollis

Description

Circaea Mollis, commonly known as enchanter’s nightshade or soft-leaved enchanter’s nightshade, is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial plant native to North America and Europe. This plant belongs to the Onagraceae family and is known for its delicate, white to pink flowers that bloom in the summer months.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Circaea Mollis typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and spreads to a width of 1-2 feet. The leaves are soft, hairy, and heart-shaped, with serrated edges. The flowers are small, delicate, and white to pink in color, with four petals and a distinctive, elongated stigma in the center. The fruit is a small, bur-like capsule that sticks to clothing or fur when ripe.

Care Guide

Circaea Mollis thrives in moist, well-draining soil and prefers partial to full shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Here are some care tips to keep your enchanter’s nightshade healthy:

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.

Fertilization: Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth.

Soil: Plant enchanter’s nightshade in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid compacted or clay soils.

Sunlight: Enchanter’s nightshade prefers partial to full shade, but can tolerate some morning sun.

Hardiness Zones: Circaea Mollis is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Circaea Mollis is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew, rust, or leaf spot. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves. To prevent, avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation. Treat with a fungicide if necessary.

Rust: This fungal disease appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves. To prevent, remove infected leaves and improve air circulation. Treat with a fungicide if necessary.

Leaf Spot: This bacterial disease appears as dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves. To prevent, avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves. Treat with a copper fungicide if necessary.

Habitat

Circaea Mollis is found in moist, shaded areas such as woodland edges, stream banks, and wet meadows. It is native to North America and Europe, and can be found in USDA zones 3-8.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Circaea Mollis be grown in containers?

A: Yes, enchanter’s nightshade can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s height and spread. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist.

Q: Can Circaea Mollis be propagated by division?

A: Yes, enchanter’s nightshade can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections, then replant in well-prepared soil.

Q: How often should I fertilize Circaea Mollis?

A: Fertilize enchanter’s nightshade once a year in the spring with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

Q: How do I prune Circaea Mollis?

A: Prune enchanter’s nightshade in the fall after the plant has bloomed. Cut back any dead or damaged stems to the base, and trim back any leggy growth to promote a more compact shape.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Circaea Mollis:

• Circaea Alpina
• Circaea Lutetiana
• Circaea Pacifica
• Circaea X Intermedia

References

• “Circaea Mollis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282835&isprofile=1&basic=circaea%20mollis. Accessed 9 July 2021.
• “Circaea Mollis.” Plant Finder, www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/803. Accessed 9 July 2021.
• “Enchanter’s Nightshade.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/16531/Circaea-mollis/Details. Accessed 9 July 2021.