|
Description of black cohosh: Enormous leaves divide into three parts and are very attractive. In summer, flower spikes often reach a height of 8 feet in a perfect location. There are many tiny, white flowers that glow like candles if the plant is in the shade.
Ease of care: Easy
Growing black cohosh: Cimicifugas like partial shade and a good, fertile soil on the acid side. In evenly moist soil, they will take more sun. A good mulch of compost every spring is appreciated. Clumps enlarge slowly and can be left alone for years.
Propagating black cohosh: By division of mature plants in spring or by seed.
Uses for black cohosh: When not in bloom, these plants are attractive in the garden, but when flowering, these are the stars of the back of the border.
Black cohosh related species: Actaea americana, or American bugbane, is another member of the genus that is shorter, with flowering stalks up to 4 feet tall and blooming in late summer. Cimicifuga simplex comes from Japan and bears white fragrant flowers on 4-foot stems in the fall, often succumbing to frost before blooming.
Black cohosh related varieties: Brunette has dark purple foliage.
Scientific name: Actaea racemosa
Want more gardening information? Try:
