Actaea rubra

Actaea rubra is a woodland perennial that offers us, from the month of May, pretty clusters of star-shaped white flowers above light green compound leaves divided into dentate or incised ovate leaflets. These discreet little clusters give way at the end of summer to bright red berries, causing the tips of the stems to arch under their weight. These small fruits that illuminate shady areas are toxic to humans but are a delight for many birds; it is probably because of its toxicity that it is also called Snake's Bread.

With great robustness and good hardiness, Actaea rubra likes shady situations, in woodland areas with moist to dry soil, rich in humus provided by the decomposition of dead leaves. The Red Baneberry forms beautiful dense clumps over time. Their only flaw: they grow slowly. It takes several years for them to reach a size of interest, but then their longevity more than compensates for this handicap.

Like in a woodland, it goes wonderfully well with Polygonatum, Smilacina, and Epimedium or other shade perennials.