Ranunculaceae : Actaea rubra

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Family Name

Ranunculaceae

Common Name

Baneberry

Description

Actaea rubra is a perennial forb 50-90 cm tall with a somewhat woody base. They can be found in moist soils in wooded areas. Stems usually unbranched, glabrous below and puberulent above. Large pinnate to triternate-pinnate alternate cauline leaves (1-3 in number), the largest with a long petiole. Small white flowers arranged in racemes bloom in late spring. Three to five sepals and 3-5 (10) petals, both rapidly lost after the flowers open. Baneberry has numerous stamens and a single pistil. The fruit are red or white 9-16 seeded berries, 7-13 mm in diameter.

Additional Notes

Baneberry fruits are attractive, but highly toxic to humans and grazing animals. They provide food for many bird species including robins and grouse.

Horticulture Notes

Seed collection: Berries mature in mid to late summer

Germination: Seeds planted in the fall and kept moist until the ground freezes will germinate the following spring.

Soils: Require moist, protected soils.

Light: Partial shade