Alphabetical Plant Listing

Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry)

Red Baneberry, Black Cohosh, Coralberry, Rattlesnake Herb, Redberry Snakeberry, Actaea arguta, Actaea erythrocarpa, Actaea rubra subsp. arguta, Actaea spicata 'Erythrocarpa', Actaea spicata subsp. erythrocarpa, Actaea spicata var. erythrocarpa, Actaea spicata var. rubra


Perfect for shade gardens, Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry) is herbaceous perennial forming bushy clumps of finely divided, bright green foliage, enhanced by clusters of small fluffy white flowers in late spring and early summer. Borne on conspicuous red stems which rise above the foliage, they give way to pea-sized glossy scarlet berries in summer. Because of its attractive foliage, flowers, and bright red berries, Red Baneberry is an excellent selection for cool shade gardens.

  • Typically grows up to 20 in. tall (50 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
  • Thrives in cool, moist, reasonably fertile soils in part shade. Will tolerate most soils if enriched with organic matter.
  • Baneberry is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, woodlands, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas.
  • Generally pest and disease free.
  • Cut back after flowering or fruiting.
  • Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in early spring.
  • The berries are extremely poisonous if eaten.
  • Native to North America

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Actaea - Baneberries
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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By Mila Rea, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Actaea - Baneberries
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Actaea - Baneberries

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