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NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Actaea pachypoda

White Baneberry, Doll's-eyes, White Cohosh

Scientific Name:

Actaea pachypoda

Genus:

Actaea

Species Epithet:

pachypoda

Common Name:

White Baneberry, Doll's-eyes, White Cohosh

Plant Type

Herb/Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Size:

0-1 ft., 1-3 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

White

Light:

Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day, Less than 2 hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Moist

Bloom Time:

April, May

Growing Area:

Mountains, Piedmont

Habitat Description:

Rich cove forests and slopes. Common in NC Mountains, rare in Piedmont.

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate

Leaf Retention:

Deciduous

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Compound

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Has some wildlife value

Landscape Value:

Suitable for home landscapes

State Rank:

S4: Apparently secure (*Key)

Global Rank:

G5 - Secure (*Key)

State Status:

W6: Watch List: Regionally Rare (*Key)

Notes:

Occasional nectar source for butterflies

Plant in bloom

image

Martha Baskin
Nantahala, NC

This plant is easily confused with Actaea racemosa until it starts to bloom.

Young seed pods

image

Martha Baskin
Nantahala, NC

The common name Doll Eyes comes from the black marks on the end of the seed pod that is like older doll's eyes were painted.

Older seed pods

image

Martha Baskin
Nantahala, NC

Note how the "barbell handle" has turned red.

Compound leaves 2- to 3-times divided with strongly serrated margins. Short, dense raceme of white flowers.

Macon County, NC

The Scientific Name is Actaea pachypoda. You will likely hear them called White Baneberry, Doll's-eyes, White Cohosh. This picture shows the  Compound leaves 2- to 3-times divided with strongly serrated margins.  Short, dense raceme of white flowers. of Actaea pachypoda

Bettina Darveaux

Close-up of inflorescence (raceme) showing prominent white-colored pistils, stamens, and narrow petals.

Macon County, NC

The Scientific Name is Actaea pachypoda. You will likely hear them called White Baneberry, Doll's-eyes, White Cohosh. This picture shows the Close-up of inflorescence (raceme) showing prominent white-colored pistils, stamens, and narrow petals. of Actaea pachypoda

Bettina Darveaux

Flower parts have dehisced, pedicels are thickening, and the berries are beginning to develop.

Macon County, NC

The Scientific Name is Actaea pachypoda. You will likely hear them called White Baneberry, Doll's-eyes, White Cohosh. This picture shows the Flower parts have dehisced, pedicels are thickening, and the berries are beginning to develop. of Actaea pachypoda

Bettina Darveaux

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record



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