Actaea pachypoda.
Doll's Eyes, also known as White Baneberry, is a perennial plant native to the eastern United States where it can often be found growing rich woods, deciduous woodlands, ravines, and thinly wooded bluffs.
Plant grows to about 2 feet in height and produces clusters of white, fragrant flowers that bloom from May through June. Pea-sized berries, which resemble a doll's eyes, develop late in the summer and mature throughout early fall.
Please note that every part of this plant is poisons, so take care to plant it in a safe location.
Interestingly, birds such as the Ruffed Grouse, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, and American Robin appear immune to the plant's poison and will feed on the berries. Bees and butterflies are also quite fond of the rose-scented flowers.
Doll's Eyes
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Sandy, rocky Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 18 inches Germination Note: Cold and warm stratification required Stratification Time: 180 days Bloom Time: May through June A Note on Double Dormancy
These seeds have double dormancy and need a cold, moist period (winter) followed by a warm, moist period (summer) followed by a 2nd cold, moist period. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors in the fall and expect germination after 2 years.
To artificially stratify the seeds, mix seeds with moist sand in a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and store in the refrigerator for 60 days, then move the bag containing the seeds to a warm location and store for another 60 days. Finally, place the bag containing the seeds back into the refrigerator for another 60 days before sowing.