Quick answer: Red baneberry (Actaea rubra) is native to 29 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist |
| Soil | Well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jun |
| Height | Up to 3 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Conspicuous feathery flowers attract pollinators, berries poisonous to humans |
Berries and roots very poisonous if ingested, may affect nervous system. Symptoms: burning mouth/throat, salivation, severe stomach cramps, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, hallucinations. Children most at risk. Not reported to have caused death to humans/livestock in US
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Red baneberry
Where is Red baneberry native?
Red baneberry (Actaea rubra) is native to 29 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Red baneberry bloom?
Red baneberry blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Red baneberry need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Moist. Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soils. Mature height: Up to 3 ft tall.
Is Red baneberry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Conspicuous feathery flowers attract pollinators, berries poisonous to humans.
Is Red baneberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Red baneberry is tolerates shade.
Is Red baneberry toxic?
Berries and roots very poisonous if ingested, may affect nervous system. Symptoms: burning mouth/throat, salivation, severe stomach cramps, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, hallucinations. Children most at risk. Not reported to have caused death to humans/livestock in US.
Where can I buy real Red baneberry seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Actaea rubra on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Red baneberry.
- Red-osier dogwood Cornus sericea
- Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Harebell Campanula rotundifolia
- Cutleaf coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- Closed bottle gentian Gentiana andrewsii
Also listed under
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