Muller, Thomas L.
Actaea racemosa var. racemosa L.
Black cohosh, Black bugbane, Bugbane, Black snakeroot, Fairy candles
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
A large, bush-like plant, 3-6 ft. tall, with
compound, toothed leaves and long candles of tiny, white, fuzzy flowers.
Image Gallery:
18 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Size Notes: 3 to 8 feet tall
Flower: Flowers in 6 to 24 inch spikes
Fruit: Tan
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Blooms for 2 to 3 weeks, beginning in May near the coast and in June in the mountains.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , IA , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MS , MO , NJ , NY , NC , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV , DC
Canada: ON ,
QC Native Distribution: W. MA to s. Ont. & WI, s. to GA & n. AR; escaped in n. & e. New England; Coastal plain to 4000 ft in mountains. Zones 5 to 7
Native Habitat: Rich woods & woodland openings
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Moderately acid, humus-rich loam. Can grow in acid over lime.
Conditions Comments: Best light is an hour or 2 of morning sun.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: White summer flowers for shady spots.
Use Medicinal: The bad odour of this plant is repellent to bugs, which accounts for the common and
genus name. The root was used in the 1800s to treat various conditions, ranging from snakebite and lung inflammations, to the pains of childbirth. (Niering)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Spring Azure
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Actaea racemosa var. racemosa is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2012-12-06
