Actaea racemosa (Native)

Common Name
Common black cohosh
Bugbane
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
6.0
Width (ft)
2.0 - 4.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8
Rabbit resistant
Yes

Photographer: jonathan hunsberger
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: jonathan hunsberger
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Habitat

Easily grown in average, medium moisture soils in part shade to full shade. Common in the Virginia mountains; frequent in the Piedmont; infrequent in the Coastal Plain

Wildlife value

It is a host plant for Spring Azure, Holly Blue, and Appalacian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) butterflies/larvae

Gardening tips

Tall fairy spires in the woods towering over 30 inch fine foliage. Allow seedheads to remain for winter interest.

High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife

Additional Notes

The leaves are attractive and the showy flowers are followed by interesting seedheads. although the flowers have an unpleasant, somewhat medicinal odor, the seedheads are often utilized in flower arrangements

Flower Color
Cream/White
Flower Prominence
Prominent
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Late Summer
Light Requirements
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Soil Texture
High organic matter
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Commercially available
Yes

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