Other common names include baneberry, which is also applied to other Actaea species.

This rhizomatous herbaceous perennial was formerly known as Cimicifuga matsumurae, a name which is still found in the horticultural literature.

The leaves are compound and deeply-cut in shape, with showy, miniature white flowers borne on erect stems in late summer or autumn.

The plant is best grown in a partly-shaded, sheltered spot, in soil that remains reliably moist.

Two cultivars, 'Elstead Variety'[4] and 'White Pearl'[5] have achieved the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.