Actaea racemosa ( Black Coshosh ) is a perennial herb that is native to cold and temperate regions of eastern North America and is grown primarily for its medicinal roots and rhizomes. Black Cohosh thrives in shady gardens and produces striking white flowers that resemble fairy candles during late summer and early autumn.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Black Cohosh and its medicinal roots and rhizomes have been used to by Native Americans to treat snakebites, lung problems and pain from childbirth. Today, it is widely used as a dietary supplement to assist with menopause and a range of other ailments such as mood swings and digestion issues.
Actaea racemosa is also commonly known as Bugbane, Black Bugbane, Black Snakeroot, Rattle-Top and Fairy Candle.
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Growth
Actaea racemosa is a perennial, shade plant that grow to a maximum height of around 1.8 metres (6 feet) and spreads no wider than 1.2m (4 feet). Black Cohosh grows deep green, finely divided foliage and then in the warmer months bears tall tapering racemes containing small white flowers. Up close the flowers smell unpleasant which gives the plant its less appealing common name Bugbane.
The basal leaves are up to 1 metre (3 feet) long and broad, forming repeated sets of three leaflets and have a coarsely serrated margin. The fruit is a dry follicle with one carpel which contains several seeds each.
Black Cohosh attracts plenty bees and butterflies into the summer garden and is ideal for gardeners looking for shade-loving flowers. Kept protected from strong winds, the plants are otherwise trouble-free.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Ranunculaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20 to 30°C / -4 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, rich hummus.
LOCATION:
Full Shade or Semi-Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.8 metres (6 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.2 metre (4 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees, butterflies & beetles.
MATURITY:
3-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
70-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-12 months.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 350
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Roots & rhizomes only, the rest of the plant is toxic in large doses.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 1 year.
FACTS ABOUT ACTAEA RACEMOSA (Black Cohosh)
Actaea racemosa is native to the eastern side of North America. From as far north as Ontario in Canada where it can reach as low as -20°C/-4°F to the southern states of the United States such as Georgia and Arkansas where the temperatures can almost be considered sub-tropical.
Black Cohosh was the 2017 Wildflower of the year for Virginia’s Native Plant Society.
Black Cohosh works to balance hormones in women, helping to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, moodiness, night sweats, headaches, and mental fog.
Warning: People who are allergic to aspirin, have liver problems, issues with seizures or have a high risk of blood clots or stroke should not take Black Cohosh.
