Actaea rubra

Common Names

Red Baneberry, Snakeberry, Baneberry, Western Baneberry

Summary

Actaea rubra, red baneberry, is a North American native rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial that forms bushy clumps 1–3 feet tall with finely divided bright green foliage. In late spring to early summer, it bears clusters of small white flowers on conspicuous red stems above the foliage, followed by poisonous berries that mature green to red (and occasionally white); the flowers have a rose-like fragrance.

Prefers cool, partially to fully shaded, evenly moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils and tolerates a range of soil types when moisture is maintained; commonly grown in woodland gardens, borders, and naturalized areas for its foliage, white flowers, and bright red berries. Propagation is by division or seed, with seeds requiring stratification and potentially taking 1–3 years to germinate, and flowering possibly in the third year; maintenance includes cutting back after flowering or fruiting.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

12-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Cool, moist, rich, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (moist but not soggy)

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Medium green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow, 2–5 years.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts pollinators, attracts birds