Red Baneberry

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Perennial

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region

Cultivation

A 20-30" tall plant with white flowers and showy red berries.
Light: part sun to shade
Moisture and Soil: moist soil

Propagation

Seed Treatment and Storage: requires multiple cycles of cold/moist, warm/moist stratification (40/70/40/70)

Biocultural value

Red baneberry had a wide variety of uses among Native Americans. A root decoction was typically employed, although the stems and leaves were also included in some remedies. Several groups, including the Cheyenne, Chippewa, Cree, Ojibwa and Potawatomi used the plant as a gynecoogical aid. Many groups also reconized the plant's poisonous potential if consumed in too high a dose.

The statements above were sourced from:

Native American Ethnobotany Database: http://naeb.BRIT Native American Ethnobotany Database.org/

Wildlife value

Red baneberry's nectarless flowers are visited by miscellaneous beetles, flies, and to a lesser extent, Halictid bees. Several bird species eat the fruit, including ruffed grouse, yellow-bellied sapsucker, american robin, wood thrush, gray-cheeked thrush, brown thrasher, and catbird. Small mammals, including the woodland deer mouse, white-footed mouse, eastern chipmunk, red squirrel, and red-backed vole, eat the seeds but typically reject the pulp.

Poisonous

yes

Poisonous description

All parts of red baneberry are toxic, particularly the roots and attractive berries. The plant contains protoanemonin, a toxin found in all members of the Ranunculaceae. Baneberry poisoning is characterized by dizziness, severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, headache, and circulatory failure.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, McLean Bogs, Eames Bog, Ringwood Ponds, South Hill Swamp

Description

The common name "baneberry" reflects the plant's poisonous nature.

Status

L4|S5|G5