Actaea

Actaea is a genus of flowering plants in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It comprises herbaceous perennials and some small shrubs native to temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. Several species formerly placed in Cimicifuga have been reclassified into Actaea, including the black cohosh that is widely known for medicinal use.

Plants in this genus typically form clumps with divided leaves and tall stems bearing spikes or racemes of small flowers, usually white or pale in color, that bloom in late spring to summer. The flowers give way to berries that can be white, red, or, in some species, black. The berries are attractive in ornamental settings but are toxic if ingested, especially by children.

Notable Actaea species include Actaea racemosa, commonly called black cohosh, which has a long history of use in traditional medicine for menopausal symptoms; Actaea pachypoda, the white baneberry or doll’s eyes, which produces white berries with distinctive dark seeds; and Actaea rubra, the red baneberry. In cultivation, several Actaea species are valued for woodland or shade gardens due to their late-summer flowers and attractive foliage. They prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

Safety and regulatory notes accompany the medicinal use of some Actaea species. All parts of many Actaea plants contain toxins, and ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress. Black cohosh has been studied for hormonal symptoms but has been linked to safety concerns, including rare cases of liver injury, leading to cautionary use and supervision by health professionals. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy without medical advice.