Very small,
white flowers are tightly clustered in an oblong
terminal raceme, 2-3 inches long. The flowers are
followed by summer fruit which are ivory white
and borne on bright red, thick pedicels. The
fruit are poisonous if eaten, so caution should
be exercised in gardens where small children may
be present.
The flowers are
showy in mid to late spring while the white
fruit debuts in summer.
Leaves are
pinnately to ternately compound leaflets
are ovate, serrated, or in some instances cut
nearly to the midrib. The leaves are similar to
Astilbe.
No serious
problems
'Neglecta' -
White-berried form that is listed
in the literature but seldom found in commerce.
Shaded border
or in the woodland wildflower garden. The
flowers are not spectacular, but the white fruit
in the late summer make this species a
worthwhile garden investment.
The fruit of Actaca pachypoda
has a black “eye” opposite the stem end and is
responsible for the common name, dolls' eyes.
