Species PlantsRed Baneberry

Red Baneberry

Actaea rubra

CommonPlant
Illustration of Red Baneberry (Actaea rubra)
Safety note: All parts are toxic, especially the berries; ingestion causes cardiac symptoms.

Red Baneberry is a woodland wildflower producing clusters of shiny red (occasionally white) berries on thick red stalks. The berries are highly toxic to humans and most mammals but are eaten safely by some birds. It grows in moist, shaded forests across northern North America from coast to coast.

Habitat
Moist shaded forests, stream ravines, northern and mountain regions
Diet
Berries eaten by American robin, thrushes, and cedar waxwing
How common
Common

Best time to see a Red Baneberry

The best time to see a Red Baneberry is July–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 21,535 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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