White Baneberry

Actaea pachypoda

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

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

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antipruritic Antirheumatic Emmenagogue Galactogogue Hypnotic Oxytoxic Stimulant VD The whole plant, but especially the root, is anticonvulsive, antirheumatic, emmenagogue, mildly hypnotic, oxytocic and stimulant[207, 257]. Use with caution, see the notes above on toxicity[222]. A decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds, rheumatism and syphilis[213, 257]. It is also used in small doses to ease the pain of childbirth[222] and is used as a stimulant to revive and rally patients at the point of death[257]. An infusion of the roots has been used externally to treat itchy skin and as a gargle for sore throats[257]. An infusion of leaves was drunk by the women of some Indian tribes in order to stimulate the flow of milk[213].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are toxic, causing severe gastrointestinal inflammation and skin blisters[222].