After flowering, it forms shiny, bright red berries held on thick stalks—its most ornamental feature.
Spreads slowly by rhizomes, forming small colonies.
Berries are toxic to humans, but some birds (like thrushes) may eat them without harm.
Closely related to White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda), which has the famous “doll’s eye” berries with black pupils.
The name “baneberry” comes from its poisonous fruits, historically noted in herbal lore.
Valued as an ornamental woodland plant for its striking red fruit display.
Deer-resistant due to its toxic alkaloids.
After flowering, it forms shiny, bright red berries held on thick stalks—its most ornamental feature.
Spreads slowly by rhizomes, forming small colonies.
Berries are toxic to humans, but some birds (like thrushes) may eat them without harm.
Closely related to White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda), which has the famous “doll’s eye” berries with black pupils.
The name “baneberry” comes from its poisonous fruits, historically noted in herbal lore.
Valued as an ornamental woodland plant for its striking red fruit display.
Deer-resistant due to its toxic alkaloids.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: moist to mesic woodlands; shaded areas where some seepage of ground water occurs; shady stream banks
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 3 feet)
Requirements: light shade to moderate shade
Soil: somewhat acidic soil consisting of clay-loam, loam, or sandy loam with decaying organic matter
