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PLANT BASE
Actaea racemosa
Black cohosh
Height
Spread
Growth
habit
​
3-8
4-6'
2-4'
Form Lifecycle Hardiness zone*
Upright stalks
Flower
Perennial
Black Bugbane, Bugbane, Black Snakeroot, Fairy Candles
APPEARANCE
Bloom time
Bloom color
​
June-July
Violet/ pinkish
USE FOR
Seasonal interest
ENVIRONMENT
Terminal clusters
Light
​
Water
Soil
Soil pH
Clay, Loam
Moderately Acidic
Soil Preference
Organically-rich, consistently moist
ENVIRONMENTAL TOLERANCE
HABITAT & NATIVE RANGE
Rocky woods, rich woods and woodland openings
Wisconsin to Massachusetts to Georgia
BROWSE TOLERANCE
Tolerance to browse by animals typically happens once plants are established. Young plants may still be quite susceptible.
SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE & COMMON PROBLEMS
Divide every 2-3 years, don't add thick mulch as will cause rot
Rust and leaf spot (but not serious)
COMPANION PLANTS
Joe pye weed,Woodland sunflower
COMPANION TREES & SHRUBS
NOTES
Fragrant flowers. Avoid windy sites. Plant is slow to establish. Enjoys some morning light.
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