Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh, Black Bugbane, Black Snakeroot, Fairy Candle)
Botanical Information
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Cimicifuga |
| Species | racemosa |
| Synonyms | Actaea racemosa |
| Origin | Native to eastern North America. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Roots and rhizomes have been medicinally used by Native Americans. Extracts from these plant materials are thought to possess analgesic, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties. Today its extracts are being studied as effective treatments for menopause symptoms. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 - 8 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 1 - 2 m |
| Spread | 1 m |
| Flowering Period | June, July |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Tall and upright. |
| Landscape | Border and shade gardens. |
| Propagation | Seed. |
| Cultivation | Full sun and partial-shade. Well-drained, moist and fairly heavy soil. |
| Pests | Rust and leaf spot can be a problem. Rabbit tolerant. |
| Habitat | Woodlands. |
| Leaf Description | Broad, repeated sets of 3 leaflets, serrated toothed margins. The leaves are 1 m long. The stems are 75 - 250 cm tall. |
| Flower Description | The flowers are racemes up to 50 cm long. No petals or sepals and consist of tight clusters of 55 - 110 flowers with a distinct sweet smell. |
| Fruit Description | Dry follicle fruit that is 5 - 10 mm long with one carpel containing several seeds. |
| Colour Description | The leaves are green. The flowers are white. |
Photographs
