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Herbaceous PerennialBogs

Actaea racemosa
  • RHS AGM

cohosh bugbane

A perennial to 1.5m, with long, branched, bottlebrush-like racemes of small, white flowers carried well above the bright green, divided leaves, and followed by dry brown follicles

Other common names
black snakeroot
black cohosh
see morebugbane
deerweed
feather wands
rattleroot
rattlesnake weed
rattleweed
summer rockets
swan's neck
Virginia snakeroot
Synonyms
Cimicifuga racemosa var. racemosa
Cimicifuga racemosa

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Actaea are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with compound leaves and small creamy-white flowers in short, erect, simple or branched terminal racemes, followed either by poisonous red, black or white berries, or by star-shaped clustered brown follicles

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in cool, moist, moderately fertile soil, enriched with organic matter. Water thoroughly in dry weather.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering or fruiting

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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