Actaea rubra aka Red Baneberry

Taxonomy

Actaea rubra, also known as the red baneberry or chinaberry, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to North America. This bushy plant grows up to 50cm tall and features bright green, divided leaves. In late spring and early summer, it produces spikes of small, fluffy white flowers. These flowers are followed by glossy scarlet berries. The stems of Actaea rubra are branched and reach a height of 1-3 ft. Each stem bears two or three large compound leaves, which are highly divided and deeply saw-toothed. This perennial plant is not only visually striking but also potentially poisonous, as it belongs to the family Ranunculaceae.

Common names

Red Baneberry, Snakeberry

How to care for Red Baneberry

Difficulty

Red Baneberry is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Soil

Red Baneberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Red Baneberry is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Red Baneberry’s native range is N. America - Alaska to California and eastwards to Newfoundland and Philadelphia.


More info:
Wikipedia