Actaea rubra
red baneberry
Overview
Actaea rubra is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the Ranunculaceae growing 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall, occasionally to 3 feet (90 cm), in cool woodland shade. The compound leaves are divided into many sharply toothed leaflets, giving a ferny look on branching stems. In late spring a rounded cluster of small white flowers rises above the foliage, each flower with narrow petals and a brush of white stamens. By midsummer the flowers give way to glossy red berries, each about 0.4 inch (1 cm) across, carried on slender green stalks. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and the berries are the most dangerous; eating them can cause burning of the mouth, stomach cramps, dizziness, and in severe cases effects on the heart. The plant grows slowly and may take two to three years to flower from seed. Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, it grows in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich soil and declines in heat and dry ground. Native to North America, Actaea rubra grows in moist woods and along streams across much of the continent.
Native Range
Actaea rubra is native to North America, ranging across much of Canada and the northern and western United States. It grows in moist deciduous and mixed woods, ravines, and stream banks.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland and shade gardens and in native plantings under trees, where the white flowers and red berries follow in sequence. The poisonous berries suit out-of-the-way shaded corners rather than areas used by young children.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Small white flowers open in a rounded cluster in late spring, typically May to June, held above the foliage. Each cluster lasts one to two weeks. Glossy red berries follow and ripen through midsummer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Actaea rubra grows in partial to full shade and needs cool, moist, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. It declines in heat, drought, and full sun, which can scorch the leaves. A mulch of leaf litter keeps the roots cool and damp. The plant grows slowly from seed and is long-lived once settled. It rarely needs division or fertilizer in woodland soil. All parts are poisonous if eaten.Pruning
Pruning is not needed. Spent flower or berry stalks can be removed to limit self-seeding and to take away the poisonous berries. Cut faded foliage to the ground in late autumn.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons