Photo of Actaea elata flower by Dianne Fristrom

Photo by Dianne Fristrom

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Actaea elata

Also Known As

  • Cimicifuga elata
  • Tall Bugbane

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 3'-7'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Actaea elata plant details

Actaea elata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Actaea elata

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: bottlebrush flowers

GROWING CONDITIONS for Actaea elata

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This used to be Cimicifuga elata but is now an Actaea and commonly known as Bugbane. This is one of our of natives found in small areas in the Olympics and more widely west of the Cascades in damp lowland forests in southern Washington and NW Oregon. A good plant with broad maple-ish leaves and tall stems with wands of white flowers sometimes tinged in light pink in late summer. This can get 6'-8' tall but most of that is skinny vertical height so while it is tall, it is not bulky. These have their provenance from SW Washington being seed-grown from a plant we got from our friend Diana Reeck at Collector's Nursery.

Gardening facts about Actaea elata plant

How to Grow Actaea elata

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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