Enchanting

The heart-shaped leaves of enchanter's nightshade are easily overlooked but at this time of year the delicate flower spike identifies it. 

The flowers are undramatic.  While buds are still waiting to open at the top of the spike, the seeds are already ripening at the bottom.  These seeds attach themselves to passing creatures with lots of tiny velcro hooks.

It often grows near plants of Dog's Mercury, another species which spreads by underground runners.  But dog's mercury, which does not have heart-shaped leaves, has square stems and thicker roots.  Enchanter's nightshade has a round stem and more fibrous roots although the underground runners are thicker and purest white - another identifying clue.

Enchanter's Nightshade on the left and Dog's Mercury on the right

The botanical name, Circaea lutetiana, refers to Circe, the enchantress of Greek mytholgy, but why 'nightshade'?  I dunno.