The book, "How to Know the Wildflowers" (1922) by Mrs William Starr Dana has some rather harsh things to say about this plant and its relative, Circaea lutetiania. Says the author, "C. alpinia is a smaller, less common species, which is found along the mountains and in deep woods. Both species are burdened with the singularly inappropriate name of enchanter's nightshade. There is nothing in their appearance to suggest an enchanter or any of the nightshades. It seems, however, that the name of a plant called after the enchantress Circe, and described by Dioscorides nearly two thousand years ago, was accidentally transferred to this unpretentious genus."

Ouch! Someone give this plant a hug! Also, I think Shakespeare said something about, "A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet."

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