Distinguishing Black Cohosh from Look-Alikes

Abstract

Plant-conservation guide: several North American Actaea, notably doll's eye (Actaea pachypoda) and red baneberry (Actaea rubra), are easily mistaken for black cohosh, a problem during vegetative-stage harvesting; all parts of doll's eye are toxic (vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures) and red baneberry is also toxic, especially for children, with ingestion able to cause severe gastroenteritis or death. Anchors the black-cohosh/baneberry confusion, the fruit/flower distinguishing marks and baneberry toxicity.