Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black Cohosh plants (Actaea racemosa) create a strong vertical statement in the shade garden or back border. The tall white spires bloom in the summer when other woodland flowers have faded. Lasting for three weeks, the flowers may bloom as early as June or as late as August, depending on the geographic location. The deep green foliage retains its good texture and color throughout the growing season. Large and bush-like, mature plants are well suited to naturalizing large shady areas, and filling in the spaces after spring ephemerals have gone dormant.

Native to moist deciduous woodlands in the eastern half of the U.S., Black Cohosh prefers rich soils, yet is fairly drought tolerant. It is a host plant for the Appalachian Azure butterfly (Celestrina neglectamajor). Other common names include Bugbane and Black snakeroot.

Light: part to full shade
Soil: medium to wet