Harmful Plant in Gilmore Park

A neighbor has reported the presence of a harmful plant in the park:

There are Baneberry plants in Gilmore Park in the tree area on the main path just by the fallen log.  All parts of the plant is poisonous with the berries being most toxic. Two berries can kill a child.

So we contacted the County and this is what they had to say:

I have had our Environmental Tech and Biologist take a look at the plant and they have confirmed it is a Red Baneberry (Actaea ruba). This is a native North American plant and is a sign of good biodiversity in your small urban forest. Although all parts of the plants are poisonous accidental poisoning is not likely as the berries are extremely bitter. There have also been no documented cases of children dying from Red Baneberry in North America. I would recommend letting the community league know that these are in your forest and to educate children on what they are and to stay away. 

If you or any members of you community have any concerns please do not hesitate to give me a call. 

Sincerely, 

Katrine Stone L.A.T.
Landscape Architectural Technologist, Planning and Development
Strathcona County
2001 Sherwood Drive
Sherwood Park, AB T8A 3W7
Phone: 780-464-8260
Fax: 780-464-8145
katrine.stone@strathcona.ca
www.strathcona.ca