White baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)

Also known as: White cohosh, Necklace weed, White beads

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a herbaceous perennial that typically reaches heights of 30 to 61 cm. Blooming from spring to summer, it produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that emit a rose-like scent. Both its berries and leaves are toxic. Lily of the Valley thrives in partial shade.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of White baneberry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 91 cm

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of White baneberry

Quickly Identify White baneberry

Compound leaves with toothed leaflets in pairs of two or three.

Distinctive white berries with a dark spot resembling 'doll's eyes'.

Showy red stems after blooming, reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm).

Clusters of small white flowers in short cylindrical arrangements.

Toxicity throughout plant parts, especially in roots and berries.

Scientific Classification of White baneberry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Buttercup

Genus

Baneberries

Species

White baneberry

Planting and Growing of White baneberry

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water White baneberry?

Actaea pachypoda should be watered thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. It's important to moisten the soil evenly to provide adequate nourishment without flooding the roots.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered White baneberry? ›

What should I do if my White baneberry is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered White baneberry? ›

How to save an overwatered White baneberry? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for White baneberry?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 1 to 3 hours

Preferring partial sun to full shade, Actaea pachypoda thrives under gentle, indirect light. This ideal exposure supports lush foliage and a robust flowering process while preventing damage from extreme sunlight.

What is the best lighting environment? ›

How can you ensure optimal light exposure? ›

What are the benefits of achieving ideal lighting? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for White baneberry?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Actaea pachypoda thrives best in moderate temperatures that range from 60°F to 75°F. This range supports optimal metabolic functions and encourages vibrant growth. Cultivating within these temperatures ensures the plant's cellular processes are not stressed, promoting overall health and bloom development.

What Soil is Best for White baneberry?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Actaea pachypoda thrives in well-drained soil as it prevents root rot and ensures proper nutrient absorption. This type of soil ensures that the plant's roots are not waterlogged, promoting healthy growth. While drainage is crucial, the soil should retain some moisture to mimic its natural woodland habitat. This condition helps maintain consistent hydration, which is vital for Actaea pachypoda's lush foliage and development. Soil rich in organic matter provides essential nutrients and improves soil structure. These nutrients fuel the plant's growth, leading to vibrant blooms and overall robust health.

How to Fertilize White baneberry?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Actaea pachypoda, the amount of fertilizer applied should be modest. Over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good as this plant naturally thrives in relatively nutrient-poor soils. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength, applying about 150ml per plant. For slow-release granules, use about 50 grams per square meter, ensuring not to directly contact the base of the plant to prevent root burn.

How to Prune White baneberry?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by sterilizing your pruning tools with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Identify any dead or damaged stems and cut them back to the base, using clean, sharp cuts. For shaping, target the longest branches and trim them to maintain the desired size. Always cut just above a bud facing the direction you want new growth to follow. Ensure to remove no more than one-third of the plant to prevent stress. To maintain the aesthetically pleasing look of Actaea pachypoda, focus on creating an open structure that allows for adequate airflow and light penetration. This not only enhances its ornamental display but also reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Carefully consider the natural growth pattern of the plant when shaping to maintain its natural appeal. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate White baneberry plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Collect seeds from dried berries and clean them to remove any pulp. Sow the cleaned seeds onto the surface of moist, well-draining seed-starting mix, and gently press them into the soil. Keep the seeds at a steady, warm temperature and maintain moisture by covering them with a plastic dome.

Divide the rhizomes in spring when new growth starts. Carefully dig up the entire plant and separate the rhizomes by hand or with a sterile knife. Each division should have roots and shoots attached. Plant them immediately into their new location, water well, and maintain moisture until established.

After seeds have germinated or divisions have been transplanted, maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Monitor the temperature to ensure it remains within the optimal range for growth. Avoid placing the new plants in direct sunlight, which can damage tender growth.

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How to Repot White baneberry plant?

Repotting frequency: Every couple of years

Repot Actaea pachypoda when the roots begin to crowd the current pot. This often shows up with roots poking out of drainage holes or the plant growing noticeably slower. Another signal is if the soil dries out faster than it used to, indicating the roots have taken up much of the pot space.

Choose a pot only one size larger than the current one; it helps maintain soil moisture levels and ensures no excess soil retains water. Ensure there are adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which this plant dislikes. Material-wise, ceramic or sturdy plastic pots are fine, but ensure they've got functional drainage.

Use a rich, loamy soil that's well-draining to prevent soggy conditions. Adding perlite to standard potting mix can help improve aeration. This blend allows for adequate water retention while avoiding waterlogged conditions, supporting robust root health and plant vigor.

Toxicity of White baneberry

Is White baneberry toxic to humans?

White baneberry is highly poisonous to humans, particularly when consumed in substantial amounts. This toxicity arises from the presence of glycosides and protoanemonin, which are located in every part of the plant. The berries and roots are the most toxic sections. Signs of white baneberry poisoning encompass a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, excessive salivation, intense stomach cramps, headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, and hallucinations. In severe cases, eating the berries can result in fatality. Inquisitive and unaware children are the most vulnerable to poisoning after consuming the appealing berries.

Is White baneberry toxic to cat?

White baneberry poses a moderate toxicity risk to cats. If a cat ingests any portion of white baneberry, since every part is toxic, it may experience physical distress, which could manifest as overall malaise or pain. The primary route of poisoning is ingestion. Should a cat exhibit symptoms of poisoning, it is crucial to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to guarantee adequate treatment and management of the cat's health situation.

Is White baneberry toxic to dog?

White baneberry presents a moderate risk of toxicity to dogs. Poisoning often occurs when a dog consumes any part of the plant, since all components are regarded as toxic. Following ingestion, a dog may display symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and in serious cases, seizures or heart trouble. It is essential for dog owners to keep their pets away from white baneberry and to observe for any distress signals that might suggest poisoning. If a dog ingests any part of white baneberry, it is vital to seek immediate veterinary care to guarantee swift and proper treatment.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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