White Baneberry
Actaea pachypoda

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Actaea pachypoda is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Deciduous forests, less often with pines, junipers, or other conifers.

Eastern N. America - S. Canada to Georgia, west to Oklahoma and Minnesota.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant, but especially the root, is anticonvulsive, antirheumatic, emmenagogue, mildly hypnotic, oxytocic and stimulant. Use with caution, see the notes above on toxicity. A decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds, rheumatism and syphilis. It is also used in small doses to ease the pain of childbirth and is used as a stimulant to revive and rally patients at the point of death. An infusion of the roots has been used externally to treat itchy skin and as a gargle for sore throats. An infusion of leaves was drunk by the women of some Indian tribes in order to stimulate the flow of milk.

Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.

Hypnotic: Induces sleep.

Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Tolerates most conditions, but prefers a humus-rich moist soil in light shade. Grows best in the wild or woodland garden. This species is closely related to A. rubra.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame or in a sheltered outdoor bed. Completely remove the seed pulp since this can inhibit germination. Stored seed does not usually germinate well. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer of the following year. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

All parts of the plant are toxic, causing severe gastrointestinal inflammation and skin blisters.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. pachypoda. Elliott.