Quick answer: White baneberry (Actaea pachypoda) is native to 33 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 03 Nov 2026.
Photo: Daderot, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Various well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jun |
| Height | Up to 30 in tall |
| Wildlife value | Conspicuous fragrant flowers attract pollinators, all parts poisonous |
All parts, mainly berries and roots, toxic if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms: burning mouth/throat, salivation, severe stomach cramps, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, hallucinations. Toxic principle unknown, possibly glycoside/essential oil, protoanemonin
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 03 Nov 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 03 Nov 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about White baneberry
Where is White baneberry native?
White baneberry (Actaea pachypoda) is native to 33 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does White baneberry bloom?
White baneberry blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does White baneberry need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Moist-Wet. Soil: Various well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soils. Mature height: Up to 30 in tall.
Is White baneberry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Conspicuous fragrant flowers attract pollinators, all parts poisonous.
Is White baneberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
White baneberry is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is White baneberry toxic?
All parts, mainly berries and roots, toxic if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms: burning mouth/throat, salivation, severe stomach cramps, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, hallucinations. Toxic principle unknown, possibly glycoside/essential oil, protoanemonin.
Where can I buy White baneberry?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 03 Nov 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Actaea pachypoda by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with White baneberry.
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Blue vervain Verbena hastata
- Swamp rose Rosa palustris
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Common buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis
Also listed under
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