ExplorePlants

red baneberry

Actaea rubra

Red baneberry is a plant with bright red berries that look like little jewels! It grows in shady places and is often found in forests. The berries are pretty but should not be eaten.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The red baneberry is an erect plant with sharply toothed, compound leaves. It features bottlebrush-like clusters of small, fuzzy white flowers in spring. Its most striking feature is the clusters of glossy, bright red berries, each with a distinctive black dot, making them resemble tiny doll's eyes.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusActaea
red baneberry
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgeshrub trait badge
red baneberry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

4/5 · High

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Before the berries appear, this plant has fluffy white flowers that look like tiny bottle brushes!

Its bright red berries look like tiny doll's eyes, even having a black 'pupil' dot!

Underground, it has roots that spread out to help it pop up in new spots year after year!

While toxic to humans, many birds can safely gobble up its berries for a tasty snack!

Special abilities

Ability

Berry Signal

Red baneberry has bright red berries that attract birds, helping it spread its seeds far and wide to new locations.

Ability

Toxic Defense

Red baneberry's leaves and berries contain toxic compounds that protect it from most animals trying to eat them.

Ability

Underground Spreader

Red baneberry has strong underground rhizomes that allow it to spread and form new plants, even after harsh winters.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Doll's Eyes

Collections

Safety

Danger

4/5 · High

Do not touch or eat the berries, as they can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is red baneberry?

30-90 cm

How wide does red baneberry spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on red baneberry?

0.5-1 cm

When does red baneberry bloom?

Spring

Is red baneberry edible?

No

Is red baneberry toxic?

High

What is red baneberry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is red baneberry pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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