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Description
Actaea Simplex, commonly called the baneberry or the Kamchatka bugbane, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. This plant is native to the cool and moist woodlands of Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. Actaea Simplex grows up to 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It produces white, fluffy flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers are followed by bright red berries that are poisonous to humans and animals.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Actaea |
| Species | Simplex |
Appearance
Actaea Simplex has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any garden. It has deeply lobed, dark green leaves that form a mound at the base of the plant. The leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 10 inches wide. The plant produces tall, dark stems that are topped with fluffy, white flowers. The flowers can grow up to 12 inches long and have a sweet fragrance. The blooms are followed by bright red berries that are poisonous.
Care Guide
Actaea Simplex is an easy plant to care for, as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Actaea Simplex:
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant Actaea Simplex in well-draining, rich soil that is high in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Actaea Simplex grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Actaea Simplex is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, some common pests and diseases can affect this plant, including:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves and damage the flowers.
- Powdery mildew: This disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
- Leaf spot: This disease can cause brown spots on the leaves.
Habitat
Actaea Simplex is native to the cool and moist woodlands of Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. This plant grows best in cool, moist areas with partial to full shade. It prefers rich, well-draining soil that is high in organic matter.
Question and Answers
Q: Is Actaea Simplex a poisonous plant?
A: Yes, Actaea Simplex is poisonous. The berries are toxic to humans and animals.Q: Can Actaea Simplex grow in full sun?
A: Actaea Simplex prefers partial to full shade. It can grow in full sun, but it may require more water and care.Q: How often should I fertilize Actaea Simplex?
A: Fertilize Actaea Simplex once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: What is the best soil for Actaea Simplex?
A: Actaea Simplex grows best in well-draining, rich soil that is high in organic matter.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Actaea Simplex:
- Actaea Pachypoda (White Baneberry)
- Actaea Racemosa (Black Cohosh)
- Actaea Spicata (Baneberry)
- Actaea Rubra (Red Baneberry)
References
- “Actaea Simplex.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b386.
- “Actaea Simplex.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/93491/Actaea-simplex/Details.
- “Actaea Simplex.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/actaea-plant-profile-4842906.
