Actaea racemosa

Common Names

Black Cohosh, Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Fairy Candles, Black Bugbane

Summary

Actaea racemosa, commonly known as Black Cohosh, Black Bugbane, Fairy Candles, or Black Snakeroot, is a tall woodland perennial native to eastern North America. It forms clumps from stout rhizomes and typically reaches 4–6 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, with deeply divided green leaves and tall white flower spikes that bloom in summer; flowers attract bees, beetles, and other pollinators and the plant serves as a larval host for the Appalachian Azure butterfly. It prefers partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich soils and is deer- and rabbit-resistant once established.

Propagation is by division in spring or fall; seed propagation is possible but requires stratification and may take years per sources; in cultivation it performs best in rich, consistently moist soil and can be used in woodland, cottage, or pollinator plantings. Historically used in traditional medicine for menopausal symptoms, the plant contains bioactive compounds and is toxic if ingested, warranting caution per sources; avoid wild harvesting and use nursery-propagated material.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-6 feet

Spread

2-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, shade tolerant and able to grow in full shade

Soil Type

Moist, rich, well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.0-6.0

Slightly acidic to acidic soil

Bloom Color

White to creamy-white, occasionally white to slightly pinkish

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Deep green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators