Growing Actaea

Latin Name Pronunciation: ak-tay'uh

Use in woodland gardens, perennial borders, edge of shade garden or wildflower garden. Clump forming perennial. Very small white flowers in terminal racemes 2-3" long; blooms late spring to early summer. Spikes of shiny red berries follow in late summer to early fall; poisonous. Ht 18-30"; 1-3' wide. Leaves are pinnately compound, resembling Astilbe foliage. Partial to full shade. Cool, evenly moist, woodsy soil; PH slightly acid to neutral. Space 12-18" apart. Seldom needs fertilizing; just add an inch of leafmold or compost to area.