Actaea rubra

Habit: a full herbaceous perennial with one to several stems.  The large pale green leaves are few and coarsely toothed and deeply lobed.  Stems produce clusters of flowers above the foliage that are small, white, delicate, and abundant in late spring to mid-summer. Fruit is commonly shiny red but sometimes white.  Grows rapidly to expected height.

Ecology: commonly found in moist shady forests, stream banks and clearings at low to sub alpine elevations.

Growing Conditions: part to full shade or dappled light, moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter.

Flowers are fragrant, giving off a slight rose scent. The common name baneberry refers to the plants poisonous nature and should not be planted where children could eat berries.