Actaea racemosa

Actaea racemosa, the black cohosh, black bugbane, black snakeroot, or fairy candle (syn. Cimicifuga racemosa), is a species of flowering plant of the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to eastern North America from the extreme south of Ontario to central Georgia, and west to Missouri and Arkansas. It grows in a variety of woodland habitats, and is often found in small woodland openings. The roots and rhizomes were used in traditional medicine by Native Americans. Its extracts are manufactured as herbal medicines or dietary supplements. Thereof, most of the dietary supplements containing black cohosh are not well-studied or recommended for safe and effective use in treating menopause symptoms or any disease. In contrast, some herbal medicinal products containing black cohosh extract hold a marketing authorization in several states of the European Union are well-studied and recommended for safe and effective use for the relief of menopausal symptoms (i.e. in the years around menopause) such as hot flushes and profuse sweating attacks. Such differentiation between the product types seems to be important.

🌳 Black cohosh adds visual interest and height when planted at the back of borders or garden beds, making it an eye-catching vertical plant. This shade-loving, deer-resistant plant is perfect for cottage gardens. Its bottle-brush clusters of small white flowers offer a unique and appealing aesthetic feature.

🎭 Love, courage, potency, Herb native from woodland

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Actaea

Family

Ranunculaceae

Hardiness Zone

3-8

Mature Height

1.22 m to 2.13 m

Mature Spread

0.61 m to 1.22 m

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

White

Flower Size

2.54 cm

Bloom Time

Early summer, Mid summer

Planting Time

Spring

Harvest Time

Mid summer

Native Area

North America

Tags (8)

Common Names (7)