White Bryony

Bryonia cretica

White Bryony is a climbing plant with green leaves and small white flowers. It grows in sunny places and can wrap around other plants for support. Its berries are bright red and can be very pretty!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The White Bryony is a vigorous climbing vine with large, five-lobed, bright green leaves resembling outstretched hands. It bears small, pale greenish-white flowers and produces shiny, pea-sized red berries in clusters, making it distinctive among hedgerow plants.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCucurbitalesFamilyCucurbitaceaeGenusBryonia

White Bryony

Interesting facts

Ancient doctors once thought its root could cure many diseases.

Its berries look tempting but are highly toxic to eat!

Its giant root can grow as big as a human leg!

This plant can quickly outgrow other plants in its path.

Special abilities

White Bryony can quickly climb using coiling tendrils that help it reach sunlight above other plants.

White Bryony has toxic compounds in all its parts, defending it from most hungry animals.

White Bryony has a huge, turnip-like root that stores energy, helping it survive winters.

Measurements & details

Height: 200-400 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Summer (June-September)
Edible: No
Toxicity: High
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Visits flowers for nectar

eaten by

Blackbird

Turdus merula

Eats berries, dispersing seeds

depends on

Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

Uses its branches for support

Traits

Climbing/Vine

Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Ornamental

Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.