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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Baneberry plants beginning to bloom along the Buck Creek Trail #54 at the east end of the bridge over Buck Creek, Mt. Adams, Gifford Pinchot National Forest.....May 29, 2020.
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Two photos that 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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Red baneberry leaves at a small stream along the Green Mountain Trail #110 a hundred meters or so west of Trail #115, Gifford Pinchot National Forest......August 5, 2022. This is a few miles northwest of Mount Adams.
The photo above 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 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.
Paul Slichter