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Actaea biternata

Also Known As

  • Cimicifuga japonica
  • Japanese Bugbane

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 18"-30"
  • W: 12"-18"

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

Actaea biternata plant details

Actaea biternata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In fall white flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Actaea biternata

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 18 IN - 30 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in fall
Uses: bottlebrush flowers, clumping

GROWING CONDITIONS for Actaea biternata

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The Asian counterpart of our native listed below is only about 18" - 24" tall, besides being shorter in stature, the leaves resemble a cross between Oak and Maple leaves and are quite lovely. Flower spikes and times are somewhat similar.

Gardening facts about Actaea biternata plant

How to Grow Actaea biternata

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Actaea for your garden

aka Actaea simplex 'Brunette', Cimicifuga simplex 'Brunette', Brunette Bugbane, Brunette Snakeroot

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-3'

  • mostly sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Brunette' foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Actaea racemosa 'Hillside Black Beauty', Actaea simplex 'Hillside Black Beauty', Cimicifuga simplex 'Hillside Black Beauty', Black Bugbane, Hillside Black Beauty Bugbane

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 4'-7'

Width: 3'-4'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Hillside Black Beauty' flower, foliage, form by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

aka Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee', Cimicifuga simplex 'Black Negligee', Black Negligee Bugbane, Black Negligee Snakeroot

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 1'-5'

Width: 1'-2'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'Black Negligee' flower by Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
View Plant

More Options

aka Baneberry, Doll's Eyes, White Doll's Eyes

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • mostly sun - shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Actaea pachypoda flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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More Options

aka Actaea foetida var cordifolia, Actaea racemosa var. cordifolia, Cimicifuga cordifolia, Cimicifuga foetida var cordifolia, Cimicifuga racemosa var. cordifolia, Appalachian Bugbane, Baneberry, Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Kearney's Bugbane

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 2'-3'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Actaea cordifolia flower, foliage by Far Reaches Farm
View Plant

More Options

+21 more Actaea
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