Makin, Julie
Actaea rubra (Ait.) Willd.
Red baneberry
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
A bushy plant with large, highly divided leaves and a short, thick, rounded cluster of small white flowers in leaf axils or at
stem ends. The branched, 1-3 ft. stems of this
perennial bear two or three large
compound leaves, each thrice divided. Leaflets are deeply saw-toothed. Above the foliage are dense, globular clusters of small white flowers. The
fruit is an attractive, but poisonous, red berry.
In flower, the
stamens give each cluster a feathery appearance.
Image Gallery:
10 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Green, Red
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , ID , IL , IN , IA , KS , ME , MA , MI , MN , MT , NE , NV , NH , NJ , NM , NY , ND , OH , OR , PA , RI , SD , UT , VT , WA , WI , WY
Canada: AB ,
NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC Native Distribution: Transcontinental Canada, s. to NJ, IA, KS & CA
Native Habitat: Rich, moist,
deciduous & coniferous woods & thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Well-drained, humus-rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Red baneberry is often found in association with its close relative, White baneberry (Actaea alba).
Benefit
Warning: The berries of Red Baneberry (and White Baneberry) are very poisonous if ingested and may affect the nervous system. European species have fatally poisoned children, but baneberries are not reported to have caused death to humans or livestock in the United States. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil. POISONOUS PARTS: All parts, mainly showy berries and roots. Toxic if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms include burning of mouth and throat, salivation, severe stomach cramps, headache, diarrhea, dizziness and hallucinations. Toxic Principle: Unknown, glycoside or essential oil, protoanemonin. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2012-10-03
