White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)
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White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)
Table of Contents

Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 01
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 01)  We spotted this white baneberry while walking on the path in the park next to our home. White baneberry grow to heights of one to two feet. Red baneberry is very similar in appearance, but the stem of the white baneberry is thicker than the red. To be absolutely sure of the identification, you may want to wait until the berries develop, which are the color of the name. Each little flower in the clusters is only about 1/4 inch across. Baneberry are members of the Buttercup family.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 01a
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 01a)  In this photo we have a closer look at the white baneberry flower cluster and relatively thick stem.  White baneberry bloom from May to June.  The 4-5 sepals fall off as the flower opens, and the petals are very small.  Each flower has one pistil and as many as 20 or more stamens, which give the flower cluster its fuzzy appearance.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 02
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 02)  We have found it very difficult to accurately distinguish the number of petals on each flower, but we do our photography for enjoyment rather than to collect scientific evidence, so we'll post the number when we are able. No matter where we look, there is always something to marvel at among the seemingly infinite creations of God.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 02a
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 02a)  Even in this bee's eye view of a white baneberry flower cluster, it is difficult to distinguish the sepals from the petals and number on each flower.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 03
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 03)  This is another close up of the white baneberry, and as you can see, it is hard to get an accurate count of the number of flower petals.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 03a
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 03a)  In this bee's eye view of a white baneberry flower, we can see the many stamens that radiate out from the center of the flower.
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 03b)  This is another bee's eye view of a white baneberry flower.  We marvel at the complexity of this little 1/4 inch diameter flower.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 04
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 04)  In this close up photo we have a better look at a single white baneberry flower.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 04a
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 04a)  This is a bee's eye side view of one of the white baneberry flowers.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 05
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 05)  This is a photo of a single white baneberry leaf with its three leaflet terminal cluster, followed by opposite branching three leaflet clusters, which is followed by a third branching each of which has a terminal three leaflet cluster, and side branching three leaflet clusters.  The alternately growing leaves then connects to the stem of the white baneberry.  Scientifically, this leaf is described as: alternate, twice ternately divided, glabrous, petiolate, with ultimate divisions serrate, with shallow lobes, and total leaf length (with petiole) of +40cm long, and +30cm broad.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 05a
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 05a)  This is a closer look at one of the first branching three leaflet cluster on a white baneberry leaf.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 05b
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 05b)  This is a closer look at the second leaf branch of a white baneberry with its three leaflet terminal cluster, and its branching three leaflet clusters.  Note that the branch on the left of the photo only has developed one leaflet, unlike the opposite one which has all three leaflets.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 06
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 06)  In this photo, we have a top view the whole white baneberry plant.  One of the interesting things is that the leaves have not fully opened (developed), particularly the lateral leaf branches, even though the flowers are in bloom.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 06a
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 06a)  This is a closer look at the white baneberry.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 07
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 07)  This is another photo of the white baneberry flower cluster.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 07a
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 07a)  As we have stated previously, it is difficult to distinguish the difference between the sepals and petals of the white baneberry, and the literature is also quite confusing.  Some sources only mention the flower has 4-5 sepals, with no mention of petals, while others mention 4-10 petals with no mention of sepals.  We believe that the number of sepals and petals don't really vary, but fall off before most observers can get an accurate count.  In the center of this cluster we have a flower with 5 sepals and 5 petals, which we believe all white baneberry flowers possess.  In the center of the flower we can see the single two-lobes stigma on top of the superior, white, glabrous ovary
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 08
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 08)  This is another look at the white baneberry.
Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 08a
(Baneberry, White (Actaea pachypoda) - 08a)  This is another close up look at the white baneberry flower cluster.

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