White bryony Bryonia dioica
ABOUT
Bryonia dioica, commonly known as white bryony, is a vigorous climbing plant that is native to Europe. It belongs to the gourd family and is known for its sprawling habit. White bryony features tendrils that help it cling and climb over other plants and structures, making it quite a sight in the wild. The plant possesses a thick, fleshy root that is typically pale in color. The leaves of white bryony are alternate, with a deep green coloration and a slightly lobed or palmate shape, with each leaf typically divided into five distinct sections that spread outward in a hand-like fashion. Its texture is somewhat rough, with a light vein pattern on the surface. Flowering typically occurs in the spring and summer months, with white bryony exhibiting small greenish-white flowers. The flowers are unisexual, meaning the plant has separate male and female flowers. These delicate flowers are often found grouped in clusters. Following the flowering period, white bryony bears red or black berries. These berries are quite noticeable against the green foliage, although they are not suitable for human consumption due to their toxic properties. The plant's overall appearance, with its combination of tendrils, palmate leaves, delicate flowers, and colorful berries, makes it distinctive in its various environments.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cucurbitaceae.
Synonyms
White Bryony, Wild Hops, English Mandrake, Ladies' Seal, Tetterberry.
Common names
Bryonia cretica, Bryonia acuta, Bryonia alba.
ToxicityTo humans
White bryony, the most common common name for Bryonia dioica, is a highly toxic plant to humans. All parts of the White bryony plant contain toxic compounds, primarily bryonin. If ingested, even in small amounts, it can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, White bryony may lead to muscular weakness, respiratory difficulties, and in severe cases, it can result in paralysis or even be fatal. It is therefore crucial to avoid consuming any part of this plant.
To pets
White bryony is equally toxic to pets as it is to humans. The entire White bryony plant contains harmful toxins, with bryonin being the primary one. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, it may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion could cause neuromuscular symptoms like weakness and respiratory difficulties, which can be life-threatening. It is important for pet owners to prevent their animals from having access to or consuming White bryony.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Attraction: White Bryony provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, thereby supporting local ecosystems.
- Ornamental Use: With its attractive green foliage and red berries, White Bryony can be used for ornamental purposes in gardens.
- Habitat Creation: The dense foliage of White Bryony can create microhabitats for insects and small animals, enhancing biodiversity.
- Soil Improvement: As a climbing plant, White Bryony can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion with its root system.
- Traditional Crafts: In some cultures, the dried stems have been used to make baskets and other crafts, displaying its versatility.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Bryonia dioica has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Analgesic: The plant has properties that may alleviate pain.
- Laxative: Historically, it has been used to relieve constipation.
- Diuretic: Bryonia dioica has been used to increase urine production and relieve fluid retention.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Bryonia dioica, commonly known as "white bryony," has historically been used as a substitute for soap due to its saponin content, which creates a lathering effect when mixed with water.
- The tough and flexible stems of white bryony have been used in basketry and for tying and binding in traditional crafts.
- The juice of white bryony has been utilized as a potent natural insecticide, deterring pests in gardens and farms when applied to leaves and stems of susceptible plants.
- In the past, crushed white bryony was applied to the exterior of homes to create a protective barrier against evil spirits in some folk traditions.
- The plant has been used in dyeing, with the roots capable of producing a red coloring agent for textiles.
- White bryony's dense foliage provides natural habitat and shelter for a variety of small wildlife, like insects and birds, in hedgerows and field borders.
- The bitter taste of white bryony has made it an ingredient in some traditional recipes for deterring rodents and other pests from granaries and food stores.
- Due to its vigorous growth habit, white bryony has been used as a cover plant in some areas to prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Historically, the roots of white bryony were carved into grotesque figures known as "mandrakes" and sold as charms or curiosities.
- The seeds of white bryony have been used as a natural rosary bead by some religious practitioners due to their uniform size and hardness.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Bryony is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Bryony is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Bryonia dioica, commonly known as White Bryony, has been traditionally used in folk medicine as a protective herb against negative influences and evil forces.
- Cleansing: Its ability to purge and cleanse was symbolically translated into spiritual cleansing, representing the removal of negative thoughts or spirits.
WaterWhite bryony should be watered deeply yet infrequently to encourage a strong root system. During the growing season, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which generally equates to about once a week depending on the climate and weather conditions. Approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water should be provided to the plant at each watering session to ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened. During winter, reduce watering to once every few weeks as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightWhite bryony thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is in an area where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in hotter climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade to prevent scorching.
TemperatureWhite bryony can survive in a temperature range from around 20°F at the minimum to 85°F at the maximum. However, the ideal temperature conditions for this plant are between 50°F and 75°F. It is not frost-tolerant, so in regions where temperatures drop below 20°F, it should be grown as an annual or provided with protection.
PruningPrune white bryony to maintain its shape and control its spread since it can become quite invasive if left unchecked. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back as needed to remove any dead or damaged vines and to keep the plant within its desired bounds.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWhite Bryony prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part peat or compost will create an ideal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingWhite Bryony should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. It's best to repot in the spring just as new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingWhite Bryony thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions. Maintaining humidity levels around 40-60% is generally suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place White Bryony near a window; requires good light and space.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds, support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleBryonia dioica, commonly known as White bryony, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in the spring, developing a deep root system and a climbing or sprawling stem. The plant then forms lobed, alternate leaves and, being dioecious, produces male and female flowers on separate plants through the late spring and summer. The male flowers produce pollen which is transferred to the female flowers by insects, leading to fertilization. After successful pollination, the female plants produce greenish-white berries that turn red as they mature. These berries contain seeds that are dispersed by animals, allowing the plant to spread. Bryonia dioica dies back to the root each winter, with its perennial rootstock giving rise to new growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: White bryony (Bryonia dioica) is typically propagated through its seeds. The ideal time to sow white bryony seeds is in the late winter to early spring, following the natural stratification period that would occur in their native habitat. One of the most popular methods of propagation for white bryony starts with the collection of ripe berries which are the fruit of the plant, typically in the late summer to fall. Seeds can be extracted from the berries and then cleaned to remove any flesh or residue that might encourage fungal growth. Once cleaned, the seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. This can be achieved by mixing the seeds with slightly moist sand and storing them in a refrigerator for approximately one to two months at temperatures around 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 to 4.4 degrees Celsius). After stratification, the seeds can be sown in pots or trays filled with well-drained soil and should be kept at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) for germination to occur.
