Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a striking woodland native that creates a strong vertical statement in the shade garden or back border. The tall white spires provide bloom in the summer when other woodland flowers have faded. Lasting for three weeks, the flowers …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Medium, Moist |
| Sun Exposure | Partial, Shade |
| Height | 4' - 6' |
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Time | June, July, Aug, Sep |
| Spacing | 2' - 4' |
| Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Root Type | Fibrous |
| Benefits | Pollinators, Host Plant, Deer Resistant |
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a striking woodland native that creates a strong vertical statement in the shade garden or back border. The tall white spires bloom in the summer when other woodland flowers have faded. Lasting for three weeks, the flowers may bloom as early as June or as late as August, depending on the geographic location. The deep green foliage retains its good texture and color throughout the growing season. Large and bush-like, mature plants are well suited to naturalizing large shady areas, and filling in the spaces after spring ephemerals have gone dormant.
Native to moist deciduous woodlands in the eastern half of the U.S., it prefers rich soils, yet is fairly drought tolerant. Black Cohosh has an odor that repels some insects. It is a host plant for the Spring Azure, Holly Blue, and Appalachian Azure butterflies. Other common names include Bugbane and Black snakeroot.
