White Bryony
Bryonia albafam. Cucurbitaceae
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Pl. B807 — Bryonia alba
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IOverview
Overview
White Bryony (Bryonia alba) is a perennial vine and herb native to central and southeastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It can grow up to four meters tall and is found across a wide range including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and more. The vine's distinctive feature lies in its light, airy nature, making it an interesting addition to gardens or natural landscapes where it can climb and spread.
Quick answers
What is White Bryony?
White Bryony (Bryonia alba) is a perennial vine and herb native to central and southeastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
White Bryony thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5 to 9 and can grow up to 4 meters tall as a perennial vine or herb. Provide it with full sun to partial shade for best growth. Propagate by seed or division, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist during propagation. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and shoots when young for use in culinary applications.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
4.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow White Bryony for the first time
8steps
White Bryony is a forgiving plant for beginners, but it requires specific soil and care conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trellis or support structure.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early autumn.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the ground or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide a trellis and support for climbing. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too heavy soil, neglecting support structures.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The white bryony is edible and its leaves and shoots can be consumed. These parts are typically prepared fresh or lightly cooked before eating. They add a mild flavor to salads when young and tender.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 9 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 21 native· 9 introduced
Europe13 regions
native (12)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (1)Sweden
Asia4 regions
native (2)KazakhstanTurkey
introduced (2)TurkmenistanUzbekistan
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, Altay, Kirgizstan
introduced:Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, Utah, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Cucurbitaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Cucurbitaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
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