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Black Cohosh
Actaea racemosa
PerennialBlack Cohosh
Actaea racemosa
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Part – Full Shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Rich, Loam
Size
3-7'
Bloom
White, Jun–Sep
Why Grow It
Deer Resistant
Great for gardens without fencing
Shade Tolerant
Grows well in partial to full shade
Caterpillar Host
Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies
Did You Know?
Dramatic flower spires reach 3–5 feet tall, earning it the nickname "fairy candles."
Used for centuries by Native Americans and now widely studied for menopausal symptom relief.
The flowers have a musky scent that attracts specialized flies and beetles as pollinators.
Wildlife Value
🪰
Fly & Beetle Pollinated
Unusual musky fragrance attracts specialized fly and beetle pollinators
🐝
Bumble Bee Resource
Bumblebees also visit for pollen, especially in shadier sites
Good Companions
🍃 Maidenhair Fern
🌿 Wild Ginger
🌸 Foam Flower
Planting Guide
- Plant in rich, moist soil in part to full shade — woodland edges are ideal
- Space 2–3 feet apart; it forms impressive clumps over time
- Mulch generously with composted leaves to keep roots cool and moist
Heads Up
Toxic to Humans
Keep away from children
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li