This Genus contains about 25 to 33 species of flowering herbaceous perennials in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) native to subtropical, temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America. The Genus name is derived from the Greek name for elder. In the 1990s the genus was redefined to include Cimicifuga and Souliea based on DNA evidence. These have dry rather than fleshy berries. They vary in size depending on the species and can grow 2 to 6 feet tall in a clumping form. They are usually found in a forest or naturalized areas in humus-rich soils in partial shade to shade. Propagates by dividing the rhizomes and by seed. Resistant to black walnut, rabbits and deer. Most flowers are white and appear in clusters on spikes. The berries that follow can be white or red. The leaves are generally green and compound. All parts of this plant are poisonous, with the berries and roots being the most hazardous. Berries are very bitter. Use in a shade or woodland garden. Flowers attract pollinators and the birds will eat the berries. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Rust and leaf spot are occasional problems
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping
Texture
Fine
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Ovate
Leaf margin
Lobed
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Deep green foliage. Leaves are spreading, pinnately divided with toothed leaflets. Varies per species
Flower color
White
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Raceme
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Flowers are small and creamy white in a terminal, erect raceme. The numerous stamens give the flower clusters a feathery appearance.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit color
Black; Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy; White
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit value
Showy
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
The fruit is white, red, or purplish-black. Berries have a black dot, often on thick, red stalks.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
USA, Europe
Distribution
Mountains, Piedmont; gardens
Wildlife value
Attracts butterflies, bees, beetles, flies, and hummingbirds. Birds will eat the berries.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Hummingbirds; Pollinators; Small Mammals; Songbirds
Poisonous if ingested. Can cause death in humans and may cause death in livestock or pets if eaten in large quantities. Roots and berries are the most toxic part of the plant and the berries are very bitter. Symptoms: Gastrointestinal distress and burning and blistering of allmucous membranes, lips and mouth. In large quantities heart failure.