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Appalachian bugbane

Scientific Name: Actaea rubifolia

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Appalachian Bugbane: A Botanical Profile

The Appalachian Bugbane, scientifically known as Actaea rubifolia, is a captivating plant with a rich history and distinctive characteristics. It's known by several common names, including Kearney's Bugbane, Red Baneberry, American Bugbane, Black Snakeroot, and simply Bugbane.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is known as bugbane for its unpleasant smelling flowers, which repel insects.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is known as bugbane for its unpleasant smelling flowers, which repel insects.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Actaea rubifolia (Kearney) Kartesz
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
  • Synonyms: Actaea cordifolia, Cimicifuga cordifolia, Cimicifuga rubifolia
  • Note: Plants formerly classified in the genus Cimicifuga have been recently transferred to the genus Actaea.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America, specifically the Appalachian Mountains, including Virginia.
  • Typically found at or near the base of north-facing slopes on talus.

Ecological Role

  • Listed as an endangered species.
  • May be threatened in certain areas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Herbaceous perennial with rhizomes.
  • Glabrous stems ranging from 30-140 cm in height.
  • Leaves: Petioles are angled, 20-50 cm long, deeply grooved adaxially, and densely pubescent in the groove.
  • Leaflets, particularly in Cimicifuga rubifolia, can reach up to 10 inches in length and display a maple-leaf shape. A. rubifolia has the fewest leaflets compared to other bugbanes.
  • Reaches an average height of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a width of 2.5 ft (75 cm).

Other Interesting Details

  • Requires a bright location with direct sunlight.
  • Known for late-season white flowers that resemble gleaming tapers.
  • Long-lived, but may take a couple of years to become established and reach full size.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Host plant for Appalachian blue and spring azure butterflies.
  • The "bugbane" name originates from the plant's ability to repel insects with its unpleasant-smelling flowers.

Quirky Facts

  • Appalachian Bugbane was discovered in 1805 in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia by German-born Frederick Pursh.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden
  • Garden Guides