Photo of Actaea racemosa flower by H. Zell

Photo by H. Zell

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Actaea racemosa

Also Known As

  • Cimicifuga racemosa
  • Black Cohosh

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'-5'
  • W: 2'-4'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Actaea racemosa plant details

Actaea racemosa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. 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 racemosa

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: bottlebrush flowers, cut leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Actaea racemosa

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The 4-6' tall torch-like wands of white flowers this wildflower produces will give a lift to any partly shady garden in mid-summer. S-PSh/M (not dry) Acid
Our native "Black Snakeroot" or "Black Cohosh" can grow as tall as 6 feet. I've even seen it shoot up to 9 feet at Rainforest Gardens in British Columbia. I love the fragrance of its long spikes of fluffy white flowers in mid Summer. Easy to grow in full to part shade.
Long wandlike, creamy white flower racemes seem to dangle and dance on invisible stems above clumps of Astilbe-like foliage. Try this Actaea (Cimicifuga) in a naturalized setting, under a tall canopy at the back of the border, next to leafy Ligularia.
Bugbane, Leopards Bane, Wolfsbane, wishful thinking at best, but great in terms of ornamental value, Bugbane puts on an impressive display in the late summer woodland garden sending its spires of white to six feet or more, bugs remain unimpressed.Zone 4

Gardening facts about Actaea racemosa plant

How to Grow Actaea racemosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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