Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) Unity Grown

Actaea racemosa, commonly known as black cohosh or bugbane, is a perennial wildflower native to forest areas throughout much of the eastern United States. Noted for its toothed, compound leaves and attractive flower spikes, black cohosh grows to 5-8’ tall with a spread of 2-4’ wide, typically in rocky, woodland environments. Bugbane draws its common name (and its prior scientific name of Cimicifuga racemosa) from its historic use as an insect repellent, and although crushed bugbane leaves may have some insect repellent qualities, the same can’t be said for its blooms, which attract all sorts of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, even attracting hummingbirds with their large flower spikes. Black cohosh’s huge, airy spikes of white bottlebrush flowers are borne on tall, multi-branching stems and bloom from early to mid-summer; each individual flower spike can reach up to 1-2’ in length!

Black cohosh performs best in partial to full shade and in locations with fertile, acidic, and moist to wet soils, and without good soil and low light, plants will not have the chance to reach their full size. Beyond their appeal to pollinators, Actaea racemosa is an excellent ornamental choice for shaded and woodland gardens, thanks to its Astilbe-like deer and rabbit resistant foliage which makes it beautiful and hardy in the garden. Attractive spring and summer appearance aside, when flowers begin to fade, they are replaced with ornamental seed pods, which adds multi-season interest to the garden too!