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.
Seeds are dormant and require a cold, moist period followed by a warm, moist period followed by a second cold, moist period. This can be accomplished naturally by sowing the seeds outdoors and waiting for germination to occur in the second year.
To artificially mimic this stratification process, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days. Move the seeds to a warm location (about 80 degrees F) for 30 to 60 days, then move them again to the refrigerator for an another 30 to 60 days before planting.