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red baneberry
Scientific Name: Actaea rubra ssp. rubra
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Red Baneberry (Actaea rubra)
Actaea rubra, commonly known as red baneberry, chinaberry, or doll's eye, is a herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is recognized for its attractive foliage, white flowers, and clusters of bright red berries. However, it's crucial to remember that all parts of this plant are considered toxic.
Considerations for Pets
- The berries, roots, and other parts of the red baneberry are known to be poisonous.
Considerations for Children
- The plant produces bright red berries that may be attractive to children, but ingestion can be harmful.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Actaea rubra (Aiton) Willd.
- Common Names: Red baneberry, chinaberry, doll's eye, red cohosh, snakeberry.
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
- Genus: Actaea (baneberry or bugbane)
- Synonyms: A. arguta Nutt., Actaea erythrocarpa (Note: The text uses Actaea erythrocarpa as if it is a synonym, but in fact it appears to be an accepted scientific name of European Baneberry. Actaea rubra subspecies arguta)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America and Eurasia.
- Found in rich, moist forests throughout New England.
- Inhabits moist woods in the Northern Temperate Zone.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Perennial herb.
- Grows in bushy clumps.
- Typically reaches up to 2 feet tall (approximately 60cm), but can reach 1-3 feet.
- Erect, hairless stem.
- Leaves are large and highly divided, resembling those of Astilbe.
- Bears fluffy clusters of small white flowers in spring.
- Flowers are about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter, with long white stamens.
- Produces glossy, round, bright red (or occasionally white or ivory) berries in mid to late summer.
- Each berry contains 9 to 16 red-brown seeds.
- Normally solitary perennial from fleshy rootstalk (rhizome).
Traditional Uses
- Native Americans reportedly used the juice from the fruits of various baneberry species to poison arrows.
- The root of the Red Baneberry has been used as a herbal remedy.
Quirky Facts
- The name Actaea comes from the Greek word "aktea," referring to the elder tree (Sambucus nigra) due to the similarity of their leaves.
- Fruit set is normally close to 100 percent.
Further Information
- Ontario Wildflowers photos: Red Baneberry (Actaea rubra)
- Minnesota flora photos and information: Red Baneberry