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white baneberry

Actaea pachypoda

White baneberry is a pretty plant with white berries that look like little pearls! It grows in shady forests and is loved by many creatures, but it's important to be careful around it.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The white baneberry has striking clusters of bright white berries, each with a distinctive dark "pupil" scar, making them resemble doll's eyes. It features small, fuzzy white flowers in spring, followed by these unique berries held on thick, often reddish stalks.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusActaea
white baneberry
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
white baneberry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Also called "Doll's Eyes," its berries truly resemble tiny porcelain doll eyes. Cool!

Eating just six white baneberry berries can be fatal to a human! Wow!

Native Americans once used small amounts of its roots as a powerful heart medicine. Amazing!

The plant's berries contain a fast-acting toxin that quickly slows the heart if ingested. Scary!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Shield

White baneberry has highly poisonous berries and leaves, protecting it from most animals who might try to eat it.

Ability

Doll's Eye Disguise

Its bright white berries with dark tips look like eyes, possibly warning predators to stay away from the plant.

Ability

Woodland Anchor

This plant has strong perennial roots that help stabilize forest soil and prevent erosion in its woodland habitat.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Deadly
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Visits flowers to collect nectar and pollen, aiding reproduction.

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Eats berries, unaffected by toxins, dispersing seeds to new areas.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen, assisting in plant reproduction.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

Never touch or eat the berries, as they can make you very sick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is white baneberry?

30-90 cm

How wide does white baneberry spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on white baneberry?

0.5-1 cm

When does white baneberry bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is white baneberry edible?

No

Is white baneberry toxic?

Deadly

What is white baneberry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is white baneberry pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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