Inside Ontario’s Forests: The Ecology and Mystery of White Baneberry
Deep in Ontario’s shaded forests grows one of the province’s most unforgettable native plants: Actaea pachypoda, better known as White Baneberry or the hauntingly beautiful Doll’s‑eyes. With its ghost‑white berries perched on vivid red stalks, this woodland perennial is both a striking visual surprise and an important part of our forest ecology. Though highly toxic to humans, its berries feed local birds, and its spring flowers support pollinating insects—quietly contributing to the health and balance of Ontario’s woodland ecosystems. This captivating plant is a reminder that even the forest floor holds stories worth noticing.
