Intro: Erect perennial growing in heavy shade of rich, mesic cove forests and bottomland forests.
Stems: Stems simple and smooth.
Leaves: Leaves 2-3, each 2 times divided into 3 leaflets; leaflets to 2 in. long, variable in shape and lobing, with acute tips and coarsely toothed margins, smooth.
Inforescence:
Flowers: Flowers in a compact raceme (to 3 in. long) on a smooth stem above leaves, each flower on a stalk that thickens and becomes red in fruit; flowers white, to ½ in. wide, consisting of an ovary with stout style and numerous, prominent white stamens (plus several indistinct petals).
Fruits: Fruit a round, white berry with black center spot (suggesting dolls' eyes) on a coral red stalk.
Comments: Flowers and leaves of A. racemosa (see p. xx) are very similar.
Height: 1-2 1/2 ft.
plant sale text: Baneberry produces upright racemes of small creamy-white flowers in late spring. Its flowers are delicate in appearance and pleasantly scented. They are followed by bright red berries that are showy for many weeks. This is a choice species that is rarely offered for sale. This southeastern native perennial is tough and long-lived. It is easy to grow and transplants easily as a young container-grown plant. It is difficult to move once it has established its thick root system, so take care to plant it where it can remain long-term. Baneberry typically grows in rich woodlands of the N.C. mountains.
bloom table text:
description: Erect perennial growing in heavy shade of rich, mesic cove forests and bottomland forests.
stems: Stems simple and smooth.
leaves: Leaves 2-3, each 2 times divided into 3 leaflets; leaflets to 2 in. long, variable in shape and lobing, with acute tips and coarsely toothed margins, smooth.
inflorescence:
flowers: Flowers in a compact raceme (to 3 in. long) on a smooth stem above leaves, each flower on a stalk that thickens and becomes red in fruit; flowers white, to ½ in. wide, consisting of an ovary with stout style and numerous, prominent white stamens (plus several indistinct petals).
fruits: Fruit a round, white berry with black center spot (suggesting dolls' eyes) on a coral red stalk.
comments: Flowers and leaves of A. racemosa (see p. xx) are very similar.
cultural notes:
germination code:
native range: eastern North America