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Black Bugbane

Actaea racemosa

Actaea racemosa, often called black cohosh, is a tall herbaceous perennial grown for its bold leaves and long white flower spikes.

At a glance

Hardiness

3 – 8

Light

Full shade, Partial shade

Mature size

120 – 250 cm tall × 60 – 120 cm wide

Safety

Use caution

This plant can be harmful if eaten and may upset the stomach of children, pets, and adults. The sap may also irritate the skin in some people, so care is needed when handling.

Garden uses & seasonal interest

Plant characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Season of interest

July - September

Where it grows best

Water

Moist, well-drained soil

What to expect

Blooms

Jul–Sep

Good to know

Pollinator friendly
Fragrant
Bird friendly
Clump-forming · Columnar

Perfect for

UnderplantingShade gardens

Seasonal interest

How this plant changes through the year.

Spring

Foliage
green

Summer

Flowers
white
Foliage
green

Fall

Foliage
yellow

Care Information

Pruning
This plant needs very little pruning. Cut spent flower stems after blooming for a tidier look, then cut the whole plant back near the ground after the leaves die down.
Soil
Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Pests
This plant is usually trouble-free in the garden. Slugs and leaf miners may appear from time to time, especially in damp or crowded spots.
Diseases
This plant is mostly healthy when grown in the right place. Wet or heavy soil can lead to root rot, and rust or leaf spot may sometimes appear.
Propagation
Divide established clumps in spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. It can also be grown from seed, but germination is slow and often takes a long time.

Characteristics

Type
Herbaceous Perennial
Variegated
No
Family
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Cimicifuga racemosa, Cimicifuga serpentaria, Thalictrodes racemosa

Placement

Aspect
East, North

Timing

Fruiting Months
August - October