When does Actaea pachypoda bloom?

Actaea pachypoda blooms in May and June, sending up small clusters of white flowers on upright stems above its compound leaves.

What pollinators visit Actaea pachypoda?

Bees, beetles, and flies commonly visit the flowers of Actaea pachypoda for pollen and nectar.

What light and soil conditions suit Actaea pachypoda best?

This forb does well in part shade with medium, evenly moist, humus-rich soil, conditions typical of the forest floor beneath deciduous trees.

What does Actaea pachypoda look like once flowering ends?

After the May and June bloom, Actaea pachypoda forms clusters of white berries, each marked with a dark stigma scar, on reddish stalks through summer and early fall.

Is White Baneberry toxic to dogs?

Yes. White Baneberry is listed as toxic to dogs by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is White Baneberry toxic to cats?

Yes. White Baneberry is listed as toxic to cats by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is White Baneberry HOA-friendly?

White Baneberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

White Baneberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Actaea pachypoda

Last reviewed: September 2026

Actaea pachypoda is a woodland forb that blooms in May and June with small white flower clusters, later forming its recognizable white berries. It thrives in part shade to shade with consistently moist, humus-rich soil.

White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda) — Photo: no rights reserved

White Baneberry is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-20). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

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White baneberry is a woodland perennial that produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring, followed by distinctive white berries with black dots on bright red stems. This shade-loving native thrives in moist, rich soils and provides excellent texture for naturalized areas. The plant goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring growth emerges.

Growing White Baneberry

Grow White Baneberry in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

White Baneberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Highly toxic berries pose liability risk
Goes completely dormant leaving bare soil
Uncommon appearance may seem wild or unmanaged

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies for pollination. Birds may eat the berries, though they are toxic to humans and should be planted away from areas where children play.

Common questions

When does Actaea pachypoda bloom?: Actaea pachypoda blooms in May and June, sending up small clusters of white flowers on upright stems above its compound leaves.
What pollinators visit Actaea pachypoda?: Bees, beetles, and flies commonly visit the flowers of Actaea pachypoda for pollen and nectar.
What light and soil conditions suit Actaea pachypoda best?: This forb does well in part shade with medium, evenly moist, humus-rich soil, conditions typical of the forest floor beneath deciduous trees.
What does Actaea pachypoda look like once flowering ends?: After the May and June bloom, Actaea pachypoda forms clusters of white berries, each marked with a dark stigma scar, on reddish stalks through summer and early fall.
Is White Baneberry toxic to dogs?: Yes. White Baneberry is listed as toxic to dogs by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is White Baneberry toxic to cats?: Yes. White Baneberry is listed as toxic to cats by the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is White Baneberry HOA-friendly?: White Baneberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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