Red Baneberry

Common name: Red Baneberry

Scientific name: Actaea rubra

Dimensions:
  Flower: About ¼' (6 mm) wide
  Plant height: 1-2' (30-60 cm)

Blooming period: May-June

Habitat: Rich woods, thickets

Description: Small white flowers in a tight, rounded cluster on a leafless stem. The 4-10 petals drop off as the flower opens, leaving numerous stamens that give each cluster a feathery appearance. In contrast with the white baneberry that yields white fruit, the red baneberry produces clustered red berries on thinner stalks. Berries are poisonous. Compound leaves grow below the flowers with 9-27 ovate, sharply-toothed leaflets, each leaflet about 2½" (6.5 cm) long, hairy beneath at least on veins. Buttercup family. (May 22)