White baneberry - Actaea pachypoda
White baneberry is a flowering plant native to eastern North America, occurring in open areas and along forest edges from Newfoundland and northern New England to Louisiana. White baneberry usually grows as a short-lived perennial, but it is occasionally found as an annual or subshrub. The flowers are often white but may also be pink or purple; they have five petals joined together at the base forming a tube shape with 2-5 lobes on each side at the end of the tube (similar to a bell). The legume is a rounded green fruit that is dried and used as a medicine. White baneberry pods are edible and have a strong taste similar to rhubarb.
1. Medicinal Uses of white baneberry
White baneberry is native to North America and is found in the eastern and western parts of the continent. It is used medicinally by tribes of Native Americans. Villagers from Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, Nova Scotia, and New York use white baneberry for treating sinus problems, bad breath, and stomach ailments. The roots of white baneberry are boiled in water to make tea which acts as a decongestant to treat respiratory disorders, especially hay fever. Because of its medicinal value that's why it is an excellent choice to buy for homeowners and landscapers
2. How to grow white baneberry
White baneberry (Actaea alba) is a native herb found in eastern and central United States woodlands. Like many woodland plants, it prefers acidic, well-drained soil but will tolerate partial shade in well drained soil. It can be propagated from seeds gathered from ripe fruit collected when fully mature in early summer and planted soon afterward when the seeds are still fresh. Like many woodland plants, the seeds are best sown in the spring or autumn.
3. WHITE BANEBERRY AS A SOURCE OF FOOD FOR ANIMALS
White baneberry fruit will persist on the tree through the winter and ripen in early winter or late autumn. It is usually eaten as a snack by red squirrels and other rodents, although it is also eaten by birds such as nuthatches, Wood thrushes, and wrens. The fruits can be dried and stored for future use; typically, nuts from trees that were cut down before ripening are not usable for human consumption.
HOW TO GROW A WHITE BANEBERRY GARDEN
4. How and where white baneberry grows best?
There are two subspecies of white baneberry: A. alba subsp. Alba and A. alba subsp. parviflora. Both are hardy plants that can be found in large numbers in New England and the Mid-Atlantic States, growing abundantly along the edges of forests, next to streams, and at roadsides. The common name derives from the fact that the flowers are white. The other variety of white baneberry is A. alba subsp. Candida, a white flower with a pale greenish-yellow center, can be found in New York and Ontario.
5. White baneberry is a good companion plant
White baneberry will not harm or reduce the growth or germination of many herbaceous and woody plants, making it an excellent companion plant for most gardeners. It also attracts pollinating insects and butterflies, helping to improve the garden ecosystem. White baneberry can be used in a wildflower garden if the flowers are not allowed to set seed.
The medicinal value of white baneberry is valued by herbalists and can easily be incorporated into the everyday diet. Several recipes that feature the fruit of white baneberry exist, including some in which the fruits are cooked with sugar to make a jam. The fruits also contain calcium oxalate crystals, making them inedible but not toxic when eaten in moderation.
FAQ
1. Does White baneberry prefer sun or shade?
A. It is typically found in deciduous forests and shaded areas. Therefore, white baneberry prefers partial to full shade.
2. How are White baneberry plants beneficial?
A. White baneberry contributes to biodiversity by providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. While the plant itself is toxic to humans, it serves as a food source for some birds and mammals, which can disperse its seeds.
Color:
White
Ships As:
Root/Rhizome
Season:
Spring, Summer, Fall
Zone:
3-8
Exposure:
Partial - Full Shade
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Native:
Yes
