White Baneberry – 9/9/12

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/9/12

Observation Time: 3:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Sandy Ridge Circle

Common Name: White Baneberry, or Doll’s Eyes

Scientific Name: Actaea pachypoda

Comments: Both the berries and the entire plant are considered poisonous to humans. The berries contain cardiogenic toxins which can have an immediate sedative effect on human cardiac muscle tissue, and are the most poisonous part of the plant. Ingestion of the berries can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

The berries are harmless to birds, the plant’s primary seed dispersers.

More Information: Wikipedia