A perennial herb, having an erect stem about 2 feet high, bearing two large tri-ternate leaves, the leaflets of which are nearly oval, acute, serrate, and somewhat lobed. The flowers, which are handsome, showy, and white, are borne on a short, compact, oblong raceme with pedicles as large as the general peduncle. The petals are truncate at the apex, equaling the stamens. The fruit is a berry about the size of a cherry-pit, of an ivory white color, with an occasional tinge of red at the apex. These berries range from about 10 to 20 in number.

Alterative, emmenagogue, parturient, narcotic, purgative, and nerve stimulant (plant)

King's American Dispensatory
Plants for a Future

In the treatment of coughs, colds, rheumatism and syphilis, to treat itchy skin and as a gargle for sore throats (root)