Actaea spicata, the baneberry or herb Christopher, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Actaea, native from Europe to western Siberia and northern Iran. It is often found on limestone edges and in deciduous woodland; key factors are shade, low competition, and a cool, protected root run. Description Actaea spicata is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to tall. The basal leaves are large, biternate or bipinnate. The leaflets are more-or-less toothed. The flowers are white, with 3–6 petaloid sepals, and are produced in an erect raceme. The fruit is a berry, black when ripe and across. Taxonomy Actaea spicata was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Two varieties have been recognized: Actaea spicata var. spicata. Europe, northwestern Asia. Actaea spicata var. acuminata (syn. A. acuminata). Pakistan, India and the Himalayas, above 2000 m altitude. Cultivation Actaea spicata is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is toxic by ingestion, and is also an irritant, so requires careful handling. It has been used as a homeopathic remedy for arthritis and joint pain. References Flora Europaea: Actaea spicata Nepal Checklist: Actaea spicata var. acuminata Plants for a Future: Actaea spicata Edible and Medicinal plants of the West, Gregory L. Tilford, spicata Flora of Eastern Europe Flora of tropical Asia Flora of temperate Asia Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus Taxobox binomials not recognized by IUCN