The small flower has 4 rounded petals, notched at the tip; they are a pale violet-tinted white; there are 8 small stamens, and a club-shaped pistil,—all pale yellow; the 4-parted calyx is green. The flower is set on the top of the slender pod.
In the autumn the mass of downy pods and crimson-red stems make of this unpretentious plant a pleasing bit of color; its fine qualities of texture contribute to its attractiveness.
SMALL WILLOW HERB: E. coloratum.
| Enchanter’s Nightshade. | Circæa alpina. |
Found in cool damp shade during July and August.
The thick and juicy stalk, which grows from 4 to 8, or even 10, inches in height, is round, and smooth, and branching. It is light green, red at the joints.
The heart-shaped leaf is rather large near the foot, with a coarsely notched margin, a thin texture, and smooth surface; light green in color. The leaves, on slender, short stems, are set in pairs, which occur at right angles to each other.
Its very tiny flower with the 2 round-tipped petals, 2 alternating thread stamens, and 2-parted calyx is all pure white, though the calyx-divisions, which turn downward, are slightly tinged with green. The flowers, on very tiny foot-stems, are scattered along very curving stems, which spring terminally, and from the angles of the upper leaves.
Found only in shady woods, this plant courts no notice, but gratifies its lovers with an indefinable charm of growth and color, as shy and evasive as the dim light of the silent woodland spaces it inhabits.