In the world of plants, some species stand out as truly unique. One such plant is the Actaea pachypoda, commonly known as doll’s eyes.
The National Park Service describes doll’s eyes as having a striking appearance. Its fruit consists of white berries that are about 1 centimeter in diameter. These berries have a distinctive shape and a black stigma scar, which is how the plant got its name. A playful description notes, “Did it just blink? No. You did.”
Doll’s eyes belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to eastern North America. You can find it growing in forests, deciduous woodlands, ravines, and thinly wooded bluffs. This plant is a perennial that can self-seed, producing fewer than ten seeds in each berry. The seeds typically germinate the year after planting, with flowers appearing the following year. The berries are most visible from August to October, making them a fitting sight for Halloween.
While doll’s eyes can grow in various conditions, it thrives best in humus-rich soil, commonly found in wooded areas. However, rangers advise against planting it in places accessible to children and pets. All parts of the doll’s eyes plant are poisonous to humans and some animals. Ingesting large amounts can be fatal, leading to symptoms like severe burning in the mouth, intense stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and delirium.
Interestingly, some birds are immune to the plant’s toxins. These birds can eat the berries and help disperse the seeds, ensuring the plant’s continued growth.
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