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Common Black Cohosh, Early Black Cohosh, Bugbane

Adds architectural height and late summer bloom to a shaded part of the border or shade garden. Also effective in woodland gardens, cottage gardens and naturalized areas. Best in groups, although single plants have good specimen value once established. White flower spires are generally more demonstrative in front of darker backgrounds. Deep green foliage provides excellent texture and color to the landscape throughout the growing season. Foliage tends to scorch and otherwise depreciate if soils are allowed to dry out. Best sited in locations sheltered from strong winds. This is a slow-to-establish plant.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons | User: Salicyna

Larval Host for the

Spring Azure

4-6'

2-4'

SIZE

SOIL

Medium, Moist, Humus, Rich

LIGHT

Part Shade, Shade

BENEFITS

NOTES

The common name of bugbane is in reference to the odoriferous insect repellant properties of this plant. Cohosh comes from an Algonquin word meaning rough in reference to the appearance of plant rhizomes. Best in sheltered moist areas. Do not let dry out. Do not plant in areas frequented by people because of scent.

CHARACTERISTICS

Showy, Low Maintenance, Tolerates Rabbits

May, June, July, August

Flower

This 

flowers in

Black Cohosh

Actaea racemosa

DETAIL VIEW

DESCRIPTION

Adds architectural height and late summer bloom to a shaded part of the border or shade garden. Also effective in woodland gardens, cottage gardens and naturalized areas. Best in groups, although single plants have good specimen value once established. White flower spires are generally more demonstrative in front of darker backgrounds. Deep green foliage provides excellent texture and color to the landscape throughout the growing season. Foliage tends to scorch and otherwise depreciate if soils are allowed to dry out. Best sited in locations sheltered from strong winds. This is a slow-to-establish plant.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons | User: Salicyna
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