Description
Black Cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa
QUART POT
Light: Shade, part-shade
Moisture: Medium
Soil: Rich, well-drained
Height: 5–7 feet
Bloom Season: Summer
Bloom Color: White
Notes:
Black Cohosh is a beautiful perennial with deep green, finely-serrated leaves, and tall spires of fragrant, white flowers. The numerous blooms are packed in fluffy spikes, up to 2 feet long, rising well above the foliage. In late summer, the blooms develop into attractive seed capsules that rattle when shaken. The root is a rhizome that is brown-black in color, thick and knobby.
This plant makes a standout, vertical, accent plant for shady corners or borders. It is best grown in groups, although a single plant makes a nice specimen plant. The flowers are pollinated by a variety of insects: bees, butterflies, and flies. The serrated foliage gives nice texture to a garden throughout the growing season. Other woodland species, such as mayapple, trillium, or bloodroot, make nice companion plants for Black Cohosh.
Slow-to-establish, Black Cohosh can take a few years to flower. It prefers rich, moist but well-drained soil, high in organic matter. It does not tolerate drought and is best sheltered from strong winds. Propagate by stratified seeds, or divide rhizomes in spring or fall. Makes a good fresh cut flower.
Black Walnut Tolerant
Gallery photos:
1. David Stephens, Bugwood.org_5000022
2. Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
3. David Stephens, Bugwood.org_5000025
