Actaea
(from aktaia, an Elder; in allusion to the resemblance of the foliage to that of the Elder). Baneberry. ORD. Ranunculaceae. A small genus of perennial herbaceous plants, with bi- or triternate leaves, and long, erect racemes of whitish flowers, which are succeeded by poisonous berries. They are excellent subjects for shady places, beneath trees, or in the wild garden. Easily increased by division of the roots, and seed during spring. A. alba (white).* fl. white; racemes simple. May, June. l. ovatelanceolate, serrate or cut. Berries white, ovate-oblong, h. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. N. America. A. spicata (spiked).* fl. white, or bluish; racemes ovate, Summer. l. bi- or triternate, serrated. Berries oblong, black, poisonous. h. 1ft. A. s. rubra (red).* This differs from the type in having bright red berries, which are disposed in dense clusters on spikes overtopping the foliage. North