This species was at one time considered to be a part of Actaea cimicifuga L.[]. The two species are very similar and almost certainly have very similar or identical uses[]. Any uses originally recorded for Actaea cimicifuga have, therefore, also been included here[].

Common Name:

General Information

Actaea europaea is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing one or more stems from a thick rootstock. Usually up to 100cm tall, the stems can occasionally reach 200cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, and possibly also as a food.

Known Hazards

All species in this genus are more or less toxic[].

Botanical References

Range

Europe - Kalingrad to Germany, east to Ukraine and Romania.

Habitat

Broadleaf forest margins and surrounding meadows[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist humus rich soil and some shade[, ]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

These uses were originally reported for Actaea cimicifuga. See notes above on nomenclature for the reason why they are also included here[]..
Foetid bugbane is an anti-infective herb that lowers fevers and reduces pain[]. The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antiperiodic, antiviral, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, tonic[, , , , , ]. It is used internally in the treatment of rheumatic complaints, coughs, colds, headaches, gum diseases and feverish infections such as measles[, ].
The root is harvested in the autumn and used fresh or dried[].
Use with caution[], see the notes above on toxicity.

Other Uses

Both the growing and the dried plant can be used as an insect repellent[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Only just cover the seed. It germinates in 1 - 12 months or even longer at 15°c[]. The seed does not store well and soon loses its viability[], stored seed may germinate better if given 6 - 8 weeks warm stratification at 15°c and then 8 weeks cold stratification[]. Prick out the young seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer[].
Division in spring or autumn[]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.