Actaea Pachypoda

White baneberry is a striking North American woodland perennial whose spring spikes of fluffy white flowers are followed by one of the most memorable fruit displays in the shade garden. Porcelain-white berries, each marked by a dark central spot, stand on thick, vivid red stalks and have inspired the common name “doll’s eyes”. Divided bright green foliage forms a handsome clump below. Best grown in cool, moisture-retentive soil beneath trees or shrubs, it provides months of interest but must be treated with respect: the berries and all other parts are poisonous if eaten.