Actaea rubra
(Western Baneberry)
Actaea rubra, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 1257
Actaea rubra, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 5351
Actaea rubra, Sylvan Lake Rd., Eagle Co. 6563
Actaea rubra, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 5354
| Scientific Name | Actaea rubea | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ACRU2 |
| Common Name | Red Baneberry, Western Baneberry | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 18723 |
| Family | Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Foothills to alpine (6800 to 12000 ft.); moist areas in woodlands, streamsides. Plant: Deciduous perennial from 1 to 3+ feet tall with one to several branched stems. Leaves: Long-stalked alternate, two to three times compound into three ovate to elliptic leaflets 3/4 to 4 inches long, each sharply toothed and/or lobed. Inflorescence: Many small white flowers in racemes at the ends of branches (terminal) or at leaf axils (axilliary) with 5 to 10 spoon-shaped petals and 3 to 5 whitish-green sepals; many stamens, longer than petals. Bloom Period: June to August. Fruit: Showy, poisonous, red or white berries, ellipsoid in shape and less than 1/2-inch long; black dot on the end. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, eFlora BC and Minnesota Wildflowers. |
BONAP Distribution Map
Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains