Who Should Win?
by
James Bow
·
1 year ago
This Battle of the Plants matchup pits the fruiting white baneberry against the flowering Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis). The white baneberry is also known by the creepy name of "dolls eyes" for its white berries with a black stigma scar that makes it look like it's looking at you. These berries are poisonous berries that can, in extreme cases, lead to cardiac arrest and death. It makes me wonder if they've been used as the murder weapon in one of Steve Burrows' Birder Murder books (see https://raresites.org/c4c-2024-05/). However, most birds are unaffected by these berries, happily eat them, and spread their seeds. The plant has also been cultivated as an ornamental in gardens. You can learn more about the White Baneberry here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/baneberry/white-baneberry-care.htm
The Canada Anemone is much gentler, producing 2-3 inch wide, five-petalled white flowers with light green pistils in the centre. The plant has been used medically to help clot wounds, ease sores, and stop nosebleeds. This fast-growing perrenial can be found along wet wood-edges and along the banks fo streams. While it's not invasive, it can take over large areas, so be careful if you want to grow some in your garden. You can learn more about this plant here: https://www.epicgardening.com/anemone-canadensis/
Will the Canada Anemone get a bit of a boost from patriotic March Species Madness participants? Or will the poisonous doll eyes be too much to overcome? Only you can decide which species goes forward, so cast your ballots below!
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