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Black Cohosh
Actaea racemosa

a.k.a. Black Baneberry, Cimicifuga racemosa

Black Cohosh is a woodland plant with large, deep green leaves that is shade tolerant. It attracts many native bees. Larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly.

USDA symbol: ACRA7

General Information

Plant TypeForb
Height3 to 5 feet
Light ExposurePart Sun, Shade
Soil MoistureMedium
Bloom ColorWhite
Black Cohosh (Black Cohosh<div><em class="small">Actaea racemosa</em></div>)
Photo credit: United States Department of Agriculture (Click to enlarge)

Tolerances

Flooding / Inundation ToleranceModerate
General Resilience7
Salt ToleranceNone
Stress ToleranceDrought Tolerant

Pollinator Value: Very High

Bloom MonthsMay to June

Project Planning

Project TypeRain Garden, Shoreline Buffer
Coefficient of Conservatism9
Herbivore SensitivityMedium
LifespanPerennial
Rate of SpreadSlow
Soil StabilizationShallow

Range