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Stratified Seeds - Red Baneberry
Stratified Seeds - Red Baneberry
Stratified Seeds - Red Baneberry
Stratified Seeds - Red Baneberry
Stratified Seeds - Red Baneberry
Stratified Seeds - Red Baneberry
On sale

Stratified Seeds - Red Baneberry

Actaea rubra

$6.00
( / )
Format

Origine : Non spécifiée


Catégories: indigène, nectarifère, nouveauté, résiste aux cerfs, sous-bois, vivace,

Aire de répartition indigène: BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL, YT, NT, NU,

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For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Red baneberry (Actaea rubra) is a woodland perennial herb of the buttercup family, reaching about 60 to 90 cm in height. Its upright, smooth stems bear large leaves that are two to three times compound, with deeply toothed segments giving the foliage a finely divided appearance. Flowering occurs from spring to early summer, forming terminal clusters of small white flowers with long stamens, rising above the foliage. After flowering, bright red globular berries appear, standing out vividly against the woodland background. The species grows in cool and moist forests, shaded edges, ravines, stream banks, and wooded slopes. It prefers humus-rich soils that are fresh to moist, and light to dense shade. In Quebec, it is found in many temperate to cool wooded regions, where it stands out for the brilliance of its fruits and the elegance of its foliage. The berries are toxic to humans, although this does not diminish their ornamental value in natural settings.

Ecological roles
In woodlands, red baneberry contributes to the structural and floristic diversity of forest communities. Its spring inflorescences, although discreet, provide nectar and pollen to various flower-visiting insects early in the season. In summer, its colourful berries serve as a resource for many birds and small mammals, which help disperse the seeds throughout the forest environment. With its preference for cool and moist habitats, the species accompanies other woodland plants and plays a part in the ecological fabric of ravines, shaded slopes, and wooded banks.

 

Red baneberry seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.

Growing Notes | Stratified Seeds - Red Baneberry

Red baneberry seeds require a 60-day cold stratification period, followed by a 30-day warm stratification period, and then a second 60-day cold stratification period to ensure germination.

The seeds offered by Akène are sold in a sealed bag containing moist vermiculite. The first cold stratification period began in mid-September. Depending on the month of reception, they will be at a different stage of the stratification process. The following schedule is recommended to complete the dormancy cycle:

Mid-November: Remove the bag from the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature, away from light and in its original packaging, for about 30 days for the warm stratification period.
Mid-December: Then return this same package to the refrigerator for a second cold stratification period of about 60 days.
Mid-February: The seeds are ready for indoors seedlings. If outdoor sowing is preferred, the seeds can remain in the refrigerator longer until it is time to start. It is advisable to check the seed bag occasionally, as some may begin to germinate. If this happens, they should be started indoors.

Sowing: Sow the seeds about 3 mm deep in a well-drained substrate rich in organic matter. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow and uneven, taking place over several weeks.

Red baneberry grows well in cool to moist, organically rich, and well-drained soil. It thrives in part shade to full shade and flourishes in mixed or deciduous forests, along streams, and in shaded ravines.

Seeds per packet: 25

Family: Ranunculaceae

Scientific name: Actaea rubra

Life cycle: Perennial

Hardiness zone: 4

Soil type: Humusy

Soil moisture level: Medium to humid

Soil - additional attributes: Rich, well-drained

Light: Part shade, shade

Blooming: May to June

Spacing: 50 cm

Height: 50 to 100 cm

Deer resistance: High

Stratification: 2 x 60 days

Scarification: No

Germination time: 30 to 90 days, sometimes more

Sowing depth: 3 mm