Shade Loving Native Plants of the
United States & Canada
USDA Symbol: ACRAR
USDA Zones: 3 - 8
Shade tolerance: Shade, Part Shade
Moisture: Wet - moist
Height: 3' - 6’
Propagation: seeds, root division
Black cohosh is a versatile and highly ornamental perennial herb that has gotten a lot of attention for its medicinal qualities. However, it’s good for more than what ails you. When used as a background plant in a shade garden black cohosh makes a statement. It is perfect for borders, bedding plants, woodland edges and water side.
This showy plant has fuzzy spike-like cream to white flowers that can be from 6” to 24” long. The deeply cut, green foliage has an astilbe like appearance. Although the unpleasant scent has earned this beauty the name of bugbane, it’s still a showstopper.
The plentiful blooms can be found from May to August, depending on the region. It has a moderate growth rate and as wild populations continue to decline, you may want to include black cohosh for its conservation value.
Growth requirements: Black cohosh thrives best in humus rich soils typical of woodlands. Fine and medium textures soils that are evenly moist. The pH range is 4.9 to 6.8 (acidic)
Benefits: Black cohosh attracts butterflies and is the larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly. Highly ornamental. Black cohosh is prized as a cash crop for herbal preparations.
Care and Maintenance:
- Amend soil with compost or humus before planting.
- Mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture.
- Pinch off apical bud occasionally to keep a shorter, more compact plant.
- Stake if necessary.
- Leave plenty of room for air circulation. Do not plant too closely.
- Can be suspect to cutworms and blister beetles.
- Known susceptibility to rust, root rot and leaf spot. If infected destroy all affected foliage.
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