red baneberry
Actaea rubra
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Red baneberry (Actaea rubra) is a perennial for shade gardens, woodland settings, borders, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, loamy or clay soil. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. Small white flowers form feathery clusters above large, deeply toothed leaves. The red berries are attractive but poisonous.
Pairs well with Hosta, Western sword fern, and Lily of the valley.
Native range
Temperate Northern Hemisphere.