Actaea racemosa
Black Cohosh
Common names: Blue Cohosh, Bugweed
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Description
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) produces long, fragrant white flower spikes from July to September, resembling small white torches in shaded garden corners. It thrives as a shade perennial at woodland edges or beneath light trees where the soil remains moist and humus-rich. With a height of 120–180 cm, it provides a stately accent even in late summer when many other perennials have faded. The plant is toxic; roots and later red berries can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested, so keep it out of reach of children and pets. Root preparations should only be made by qualified professionals and never used in home cooking.
Care instructions
Plant in spring or fall in loose, humus-rich soil and keep it consistently moist—dry periods are undesirable. A semi‑shaded spot under a light leaf canopy best mimics its natural habitat and protects the delicate flower spikes from harsh midday sun. In spring, add a layer of compost or leaf mulch to retain moisture and supply nutrients for the entire summer. After flowering, you may leave the spent stems; they remain decorative into winter and provide shelter for insects. Once established, Black Cohosh is low‑maintenance and tolerates occasional missed watering as long as the overall site stays sufficiently moist.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
humus-rich, moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained
Feeding
Medium feeder
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