RED BANEBERRY Actaea rubra

Actaea rubra, the red baneberry or chinaberry, is a poisonous herbaceous flowering plant native to North America. After flowering green berries are produced. In mid to late summer, the berries turn bright red. The berries also have a black dot on them, and contain several seeds.

These plants grow 40 to 80 cm (16 to 31 in) tall. They are found growing in shady areas in open forest or dry slopes in much of North America.

This plant is grown in shade gardens for its attractive berries and upright clump forming habit. Native Americans have traditionally used the juice from the fruits of various baneberry species to poison arrows.

Location: Full shade

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Seeds per pack: 5

Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds require a cold stratification period of 4 to 6 weeks.  They should germinate within a few weeks of being removed from stratification.  Keep seeds consistently moist during the germination process.