Actaea (Cimicifuga) racemosa (black cohosh)

Black cohosh is a woodland plant that easily grows to 4–5' including the flower spike. Creamy white flowers in long racemes emerge in late summer rising well above the foliage on wiry stems. Leaves are finely cut and resemble astilbe. Easily grown in average, medium moisture soils in part shade to full shade. This plant takes a few years to become established. Adds nice height to a flower garden. Best light is a few hours of morning sun. 

Black cohosh is native to eastern North America. It grows in a variety of woodland habits. Attracts butterflies and is a larval host for the spring azure. The flowers have a distinctly sweet, fetid smell that attracts flies, gnats, and beetles.

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

Photo by Kathy Thornton

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