Actaea Species, Herb Christopher, Bugbane, Baneberry, Toadroot

A clump forming perennial from Northern Europe and Asia.

Has ovate leaflets (9-20+) on long (upto 24 inches) mid-dark gree...Read Moren, toothed leaves. Bears small, white, fluffy flowers followed by black, ovoid fruit.

Flowers late March - June

Likes a cool, moist , humus rich soil in partial or full shade. Great in a woodland garden. Spreads where happy.

VERY POISONOUS

Has been used as an anti spasmodic in times past but there are safer and more effective medicines on the market without having to resort to this plant.

Also yields a black dye.

Toadroot is a common name in England which apparently stems from the plants' smell being attractive to toads. (Toad in a common name normally means something which looks similar to another plant but is of much less value such as Toad Flax). It does have an unpleasent smell and is said to repell vermin hence another common name of Bugbane.