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white baneberry

Scientific Name: Actaea pachypoda

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: FL (Baneberry, doll's eyes), NY (white baneberry)

       

Doll's Eyes (Actaea pachypoda)

Discover the captivating yet cautionary tale of Actaea pachypoda, commonly known as Doll's Eyes or White Baneberry. This intriguing plant, with its striking appearance, holds both beauty and a potent warning.

Considerations for Pets

  • All parts of the White Baneberry plant are considered toxic, including the berries.

Considerations for Children

  • The berries of Actaea pachypoda are visually appealing but highly poisonous. Ingestion of even a small number of berries (as few as 5 or 6) could pose a health risk.
  • The common name "Doll's Eyes" may be misleading, as the plant is not safe for children to play with.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Actaea pachypoda
  • Common Names: Doll's Eyes, White Baneberry
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
  • Genus: Actaea
  • Species: pachypoda
  • Synonyms: A. alba (sometimes used), A. pachypoda Elliott

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to eastern and northern North America.
  • Found in various locations including rocky maple stands.
  • Specific regions mentioned include Quebec (from the St. Lawrence to Rimouski, as well as in the Saguenay).

Morphological Characteristics

  • Herbaceous perennial, typically growing to around two feet (approximately 30 inches) tall, but can reach 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
  • Multi-stemmed with bluish-green, finely cut foliage.
  • Thick stem that branches near the top.
  • Flowers are small, white, and appear in oblong clusters (racemes) on long stalks. Each flower has 4 to 10 white petals.
  • Distinctive white berries with a dark "pupil" mark at the end, resembling the eyes of old-fashioned china dolls. Berries are usually white, but red variations (Red Baneberry) also exist, sometimes with a tiny dot at the end of each one.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text questions whether any animals consume the berries of Red or White Baneberry.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant's common name "Doll's Eyes" comes from the unique appearance of its berries, which resemble the eyes of old-fashioned china dolls due to a distinctive dark "pupil" mark on the end of each white berry.
  • The stems of White Baneberry can be an attractive red color.