Images: ©Jouko Lehmuskallio
Baneberry
Actaea spicata
- Synonym: Herb Christopher
- Family: Buttercup Family – Ranunculaceae
- Height: 30–70 cm (12–28 in.). Stem glabrous, slightly curvy at nodes.
- Flower: Regular (actinomorphic), ca. 1 cm (0.4 in.) across. Corolla white, petals 0 to 4, narrow-based. Sepals 3–5, with pointed tip. Corolla and calyx shorter than stamens, and wither early. Stamens numerous (12–15). Single-styled gynoecium composed of one carpel. Racemous, dense inflorescence (sometimes 2).
- Leaves: Alternate. Large (up to 40 cm, 16 in. across), usually tripinnate or biternate. Leaflets are elliptic to obovate, almost hairless and with toothed margins. Base of apical leaflet is usually cordate (heart-like) or rounded, central lobe somewhat longer than the lateral ones and apical tooth somewhat longer than the marginal ones.
- Fruit: A black (green when raw) berry, 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in.) across, containing many seeds.
- Habitat: Dryish, nutrient-rich mixed woods.
- Flowering time: June.
The baneberry, also known as Herb Christopher, is a perennial shade plant that thrives in mixed woods. It is a very poisonous plant. The fruit of the Actaea species is a many-seeded berry. Most other members of the buttercup family have a dry fruit. There are 10 to 12 protogynous, stale-smelling flowers in the racemose inflorescence of the baneberry. The plant develops a long and thick underground stem.
The name “Herb Christopher” relates to Saint Christopher, believed to protect people from plaque infection. The plant was thought to contain substances preventing infection. The baneberry has been used as a medicine in many different ways. For instance, against skin disease and asthma it has been found effective.
Another Actaea species occurring in Finland is the red baneberry (A. erythrocarpa) which can be distinguished from the baneberry by its slightly different leaves (lighter and 4–5 times pinnate) and red berries.
