Actaea spicata, the baneberry[4] or herb Christopher,[5] is a species of flowering plant in the genus Actaea, native from Europe to western Siberia and northern Iran.

[3] It is often found on limestone edges and in deciduous woodland; key factors are shade, low competition, and a cool, protected root run.

[6] Actaea spicata is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 65 cm (2 ft 2 in) tall.

The flowers are white, with 3–6 petaloid sepals, and are produced in an erect raceme.

[2] Two varieties have been recognized:[9] Actaea spicata is cultivated as an ornamental plant.