Baneberry, Red Baneberry, Western Red Baneberry
Actaea rubra
Synonyms: Actaea arguta, Actaea eburnea, Actaea neglecta, Actaea rubra ssp. arguta, Actaea rubra var. arguta, Actaea rubra var. dissecta, Actaea spicata, Actaea spicata var. rubra, Actaea viridiflora
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A close-up of
the inflorescence and uppermost stem leaf of red baneberry as seen at left along the Lowder Mountain Trail #3329, Three Sisters Wilderness.........June23, 2018. Note
that the flowers lack petals. The photo at right shows the bright red fruits of red baneberry as seen along the Lewis River Trail between Curly Creek Falls trailhead and Bolt Camp Shelter, Gifford-Pinchot National Forest......October 4, 2021.
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The photo above and directly below both show
the inflorescence of red baneberry as seen at 4100' atop the ridge dividing
the Cougar and Dairy Creek drainages.........June 17, 2006. Note
that the flowers lack petals.
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The photo at left shows the attractive foliage
with its pinnately compound leaves and spent flowers of red baneberry as seen
at about 4100' along the ridge that divides the Dairy Creek and Cougar Creek
drainages on the southeastern slopes of Mt. Adams........June 13,
2005. The photo at right shows red baneberry blooming at a moist spot along the Lewis River Trail #31 downstream of Bolt Camp, Gifford Pinchot National Forest......June 18, 2024.
The photos on this page of red baneberry with
its distinctive red fruits were taken along Hellroaring Creek adjacent to the
Island Springs Trail at the east side of Mt. Adams.........August
25, 2005. The bright red berries are poisonous and will generally turn a purplish-black color when ripe. Note the pinnately compound
leaves. Baneberry is an attractive plant which despite the poisonous berries,
would be suitable as a garden plant, used enmasse at the middle of the garden
border. The lacy flowers, attractive foliage and bright berries are all striking.
Sites on Mt. Adams Where This Species has been Seen:
1. Above 4000 feet in moist spots on the ridgeline
separating the Dairy Creek and Cougar Creek drainages.
2. Along Hellroaring Creek below Bench Lake.
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Ripe fruits (both white and red) of red baneberry as observed along the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 uphill to the southwest of Rock Creek Pass, Yacolt Burn State Forest......August 7, 2021.
Paul Slichter