perennialN. America Native

Red Baneberry

Q: What zones can Red Baneberry grow in?

Red Baneberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Q: Is Red Baneberry deer resistant?

Yes — Red Baneberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

Q: When does Red Baneberry bloom?

Red Baneberry typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Q: Does Red Baneberry need full sun?

Red Baneberry does best in part shade.

Actaea rubra

$11.60

The Story

Plant Bio

Actaea rubra, commonly called red baneberry, is an erect, clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to cool forest understories across northern North America. It produces bipinnately compound dark green foliage up to 18 inches long and fluffy terminal racemes of small white flowers with prominent stamens in spring.

Following flowering, slender green pedicels support clusters of glossy berries that ripen to bright red. All plant parts contain toxic protoanemonin and cardiotoxins, rendering the growth highly resistant to browsing deer and rabbits.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces airy white floral racemes followed by glossy, bright red berry clusters above compound green foliage.

High toxicity makes foliage and roots unpalatable to browsing deer and rabbits.

Provides flower nectar for native bees and flies while offering berries for songbirds and small mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

35"

Width

18"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

High severity poison

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$11.60

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a deeply shaded or partially shaded site sheltered from intense direct afternoon sunlight.
Incorporate leaf mold or well-rotted compost into the soil to ensure high organic content and moisture retention.
Plant root crowns level with the surrounding soil surface and water thoroughly to settle.
Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season using a thick organic mulch layer.

Pro Tip

Provide humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil in cool partial to full shade; dry soil or hot summer sun causes the foliage to collapse or go dormant early.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent soil moisture through regular deep watering during dry spells.
Apply an annual top-dressing of leaf mold or compost each spring.
Plant in cool, protected woodland shade.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during the heat of summer.
Do not plant in full sun or hot, exposed microclimates.
Do not ingest any part of the plant, including the berries.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native woodland gardensShaded border backdropsNaturalized wildlife gardens

Companion Plants

Actaea pachypoda Astilbe Heuchera Polystichum acrostichoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Baneberry questions

What zones can Red Baneberry grow in?

Red Baneberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Baneberry deer resistant?

Yes — Red Baneberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Baneberry bloom?

Red Baneberry typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Baneberry need full sun?

Red Baneberry does best in part shade.