Here’s lookin’ at you, kid! As autumn marches in, the National Park Service says to be on the lookout for the plant that looks like it’s looking at you. This “eyeball” plant, as some call it, is also known as the white baneberry, or doll’s eyes.
While the baneberry does have a somewhat unusual appearance, don’t touch it!
Eyeball plant could leave you delirious!
On a recent Facebook post, the Park Service warns, “My toxic trait is that I’m toxic.” Indeed, while Actaea pachypoda is a fall feast for some birds, humans who mess with the white baneberry, particularly if they eat the odd, seeded berries, may not fare so well.
The Service advises, “The berries and the entire plant are considered poisonous to humans and can lead to vomiting, delirium, and stomach cramps.”
This plant is found in the South, along the East Coast, and in the Midwest. The baneberry could be a bane to those eating it. Here’s one in the Shenandoah National Park.
Want to learn more about this strange plant? Check out this entry from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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I’ve been to several survival schools and one thing they stressed is, dark berries are usually OK – black berries, blue berries, etc. But stay away from white or pink or any other light colored berries.
Without knowing anything else, this one is a no-no.
Thanks for the expanded warning Bill !
You can certainly *touch* Doll’s Eyes,or Baneberry, as the plant is not dermatologically toxic the way poison ivy and kin are. Just don’t eat any portion, but then again, DON’T EAT ANY PLANT UNLESS YOU KNOW IT TO BE SAFE. FYI: there is also a red-fruited species (Red Baneberry), with similar toxic properties. Both can be grown in the shade garden.
Love this plant! We are so fortunate that it’s native to our area and grows on our property. I’ve transplanted some so they come up in flower beds.
BTW, the top photo should be in portrait mode (vertical) as opposed to Landscape (horizontal)
Thank you for the warning, Russ and Tina! I do not recall ever seeing this, but I will look for it. Have a great week and safe travels!