Herb Christopher, Baneberry

Actaea spicata

Physical Characteristics

Actaea spicata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, through temperate and arctic Asia to China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Antispasmodic Cytostatic Nervine The root is antispasmodic, cytostatic, emetic, nervine and purgative[4, 17, 65, 240]. In Canada the root is used in the treatment of snakebite[211]. It is also considered useful in the treatment of nervous disorders and rheumatic fever[211]. In India it is used in the treatment of rheumatism, goitre and asthma[240]. This remedy should be used with some caution, see the notes above on toxicity.

Known Hazards

All parts of plant are poisonous but rarely fatal[4, 10, 13, 19, 65, 76].