Actaea pachypoda aka White Baneberry
Taxonomy
Actaea pachypoda, commonly known as white baneberry or doll's-eyes, is a perennial flowering plant native to eastern North America. It thrives in clay to coarse loamy upland soils, predominantly found in hardwood and mixed forest stands. This herbaceous plant grows up to 75cm tall, displaying divided, soft blue-green foliage. Its fluffy spikes bear creamy-white flowers, which are followed by distinctive white berries. Each berry features a dark spot at the tip and is held on red stalks, resembling doll's eyes. White baneberry is a visually striking addition to gardens, attracting attention with its unique berries. It is a slow-growing perennial that can be planted from seeds in late autumn or as seedlings in early spring. While it can self-seed, it typically does not aggressively spread and overtake other plants. This native species is not invasive and does not disrupt the natural balance of flora. White baneberry is a low-maintenance plant that provides long-lasting visual interest, as the berries are often ignored by most wild animals. It remains contained to its designated area in the garden, making it a suitable ornamental choice for landscaping.
Common names
White Baneberry, White Cohosh, Baneberry, Doll's EyesHow to care for White Baneberry
Difficulty
White Baneberry presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Soil
White Baneberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the White Baneberry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for White Baneberry to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of White Baneberry is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
The White Baneberry is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.
Region of origin
White Baneberry’s native range is Eastern N. America - S. Canada to Georgia, west to Oklahoma and Minnesota.
More info:
Wikipedia
