Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, also known as Cimicifuga racemosa) is a perennial native to eastern North America, including Georgia. Tall spikes of small white flowers rise above deep green, compound leaves in summer, adding vertical interest to shaded gardens.

Plant it in a woodland garden or shaded border where its flower spikes can stand above surrounding foliage. Ferns and leopard plant provide contrasting leaf shapes alongside it.

Growing details

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native range: Eastern North America, including Georgia
• Mature height: 4–6 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 3 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Soil: Consistently moist, well-drained soil
• Flowers: Tall white flower spikes in summer
• Season of interest: Summer and fall

Care and garden use

Black Cohosh is low maintenance. Keep soil consistently moist to help prevent scorched leaf margins. Watch for rust and leaf spot.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, shaded borders, woodland gardens, naturalized areas, native gardens, wildlife gardens, or containers with suitable moisture and drainage.

Image credits: Salicyna, Actaea racemosa 2015-07-15 4399, CC BY-SA 4.0; H. Zell, Actaea racemosa 005, CC BY-SA 3.0; Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Actaea racemosa kz01, CC BY-SA 4.0; H. Zell, Actaea racemosa 004, CC BY-SA 3.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.