Red baneberry
Actaea rubra
Synonyms: Actaea americana, Actaea rubra f. arguta, Actaea brachypetala, Actaea arguta var. eburnea, Actaea brachypetala var. alba, Actaea aspleniifolia, Actaea arguta var. viridiflora, Actaea arguta var. pauciflora, Actaea caudata, Christophoriana alba, Actaea brachypetala var. rubra, Actaea neglecta, Christophoriana arguta var. alabastrina, Actaea eburnea, Christophoriana rubra, Actaea spicata subsp. rubra, Actaea viridiflora var. clementiorum, Actaea spicata f. arguta, Actaea longipes, Actaea viridiflora, Dipleina umbellata, Actaea californica, Actaea spicata var. rubra, Actaea spicata var. arguta, Actaea spicata var. dissecta, Actaea spicata subsp. arguta, Actaea rubra var. gigantea, Actaea rubra f. neglecta, Actaea spicata var. alba, Actaea arguta, Actaea rubra subsp. arguta, Actaea americana var. rubra, Actaea rubra var. arguta, Actaea americana var. alba, Actaea rubra var. dissecta, Christophoriana arguta, Actaea arguta var. alabastrina, Actaea alba
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Actaea rubra is a perennial herbaceous wildflower of the Ranunculaceae family growing 40-90 cm tall from a thick knotty rhizome with abundant fibrous roots. Stems are erect, simple or sparingly branched and minutely pubescent in the inflorescence. Leaves are alternate, two to three times ternately compound with broadly ovate, sharply toothed and often lobed leaflets 4-10 cm long, the terminal leaflet typically three-lobed and the lateral leaflets asymmetric at the base. The inflorescence is a short, dense ovoid to oblong terminal raceme of small white flowers, each with four to ten quickly deciduous petaloid sepals, slender petals shorter than the numerous radiating white stamens that give the flower a frothy appearance. Pedicels are slender and remain green at fruiting (distinguishing this from the white-fruited Actaea pachypoda, which has thickened red pedicels). The fruits are glossy, ovoid red berries 8-12 mm long, ripening in midsummer. Native to moist deciduous and mixed conifer forests across northern North America from Alaska to Newfoundland and south through the Rocky Mountains and Appalachians.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
Actaea rubra had wide and important use among Indigenous peoples of North America. The Thompson, Okanagon and other Salishan peoples used decoctions of the root for gynecological complaints, to assist after childbirth, and as a tonic for the postpartum period. The Blackfoot and Cheyenne used root preparations as analgesics and antirheumatics, both taken internally and applied externally, and the Cheyenne also used the plant ceremonially. The Iroquois prepared decoctions of the root for colds, coughs, and as a dermatological wash, and the Ojibwa, Potawatomi and Cree of the Hudson Bay and Woodlands employed it variably as a panacea, dietary aid, and 'witchcraft medicine.' The plant was widely recognized as toxic; small, carefully measured doses of root were the norm, and the bright red berries were uniformly considered poisonous. Several tribes also used the plant as a veterinary remedy for horses.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.