Actaea simplex
A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial, producing slender, branched, racemes of fragrant, white, bottlebrush-like flowers, followed by black berries, on stems to 1.5m (5ft) high; above dissected, dark green foliage
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | Black | |
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Actaea are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with compound leaves and small creamy-white flowers in short, erect, simple or branched terminal racemes, followed either by poisonous red, black or white berries, or by star-shaped clustered brown follicles
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E & N Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in cool, moist, reasonably fertile soil in partial shade but will tolerate most soils if enriched with organic matter. May need staking
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering or fruiting
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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