Baneberry
(Scientific Name: Actae arguta)
[Common Name(s): Baneberry, Dolls Eyes, White Cohosh, Snakeberry]
Description:
An inconspicuous plant 1-3 feet tall with erect branched stem.
Leaves are large, lobed, and coarsely toothed with leaflets 1-3
inches long. Small, inconspicuous white flowers form a spike-like
cluster at the top of the stem. Glossy red or white berries
are oval-shaped, 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, and are attached to the stem
by short, thick, "off center" stalks. They have several
seeds and are very bitter.
Habitat:
Found in moist, shady areas from seal level to about 9,000 feet.
Widely distributed, but usually not found in abundance.
POISONOUS: (roots, sap, and berries) The
rootstock is a violent purgative (strong laxative) and emetic (substance
that produces vomiting), and children have reportedly died from
eating the berries.
