White Baneberry

Other names

White Cohosh, Doll'S-Eyes

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Nova Scotia to GA, West to MN & MO.

Cultivation

"A 20-30"" tall plant with white flowers and white berries. A form with reddish-pink berries also exists.
Light: sun to shade
Moisture and Soil: moist soil"

Propagation

Seed Treatment and Storage: requires multiple cycles of cold/moist, warm/moist stratification (40/70/40/70)"

Biocultural value

The Haudenosaunee prescribed a decoction of white baneberry roots as a urinary aid, and the Blackfoot used a similar preparation to treat colds and coughs. The Chippewa used the root decoction as a remedy for convulsions in both children and adults, while the Meskwaki prescribed it for childbirth pain and genito-urinary problems, among other uses. The Cherokee employed baneberry infusions to treat skin itches, as a gargle, as a stimulant, and as a toothache remedy, although they recognized that the plant could 'kill the teeth of young people" if misused.

Wildlife value

White baneberry flowers do not produce nectar, but they have a strong fragrance and ample supply of pollen. They are self-compatible and have only a few floral visitors, among them sweat bees (Lasioglossum spp.) and syrphid flies. The European snout beetle (Phylobius oblongus) has been observed copulating on baneberry flowers. Ruffed grouse and white-footed mouse eat baneberry fruit, although they appear to make up only a very small percentage of the animals' diet.

Climate change sensitivity

Over the period from 1986 to 2015, PLANT bloomed an average of NUMBER days earlier/later.

Poisonous

yes

Poisonous description

All parts of white baneberry are toxic, particularly the roots and attractive white berries. The plant contains protoanemonin, a toxin found in all members of the Ranunculaceae. Baneberry poisoning is characterized by dizziness, severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, headache, and circulatory failure.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Floriculture War Memorial Trail, Coy Glen, Fischer Old-growth Forest, McLean Bogs, Eames Bog, Ringwood Ponds, South Hill Swamp, Tarr-Young Preserve

Source of plant

Bluebird Nursery Inc., Arrowhead Alpines, Panfield Nurseries Inc., Ruth Nix

Description

Fresh green leaves like those of astilbe form an elegant clump. The flowers are fluffy, white, borne insmall heads, but by August they have turned into spires of pea-sized white berries supported on thickened scarlet stalks. Plants 3' tall, 1' wide.

USDA Hardiness Zone

3

Special characteristics

fruiting characteristics, notable texture

Status

L4|S5|G5