Actaea spicata
baneberry
A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with divided leaves up to 60cm long. From mid-spring to early summer it bears oval clusters of fluffy white flowers followed by black berries 1cm across
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Black | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
- Europe to W 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, and full shade, even under conifers if watered in very dry weather
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
- Low Maintenance
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back after flowering or fruiting
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.