Toxic Plant Known to be toxic - Toxic to mammals if ingested.
Image of Actaea racemosa
Source: OWSL
Actaea Racemosa
Plant overview
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image of Flowering plant
Actaea racemosa
Black Cohosh
Cimicaire à grappes

Synonyms

black baneberry
black cohosh
No seeds available for this plant.

We are not accepting seeds for this plant at the moment.

Bloom Colour: White Bloom Period: May - Sep
Max Height: 7.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Full shade Less than 2 or 3 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
does not spread Does not spread uncontrollably
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape Uses:
woodland garden Suitable for woodland gardens
Ecological Benefits:
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
butterfly host Butterfly host
Tolerates:
Deer Resistant Deer resistant
Rabbit Resistant Rabbit resistant
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Acidic Soil Tolerant Tolerates acidic soil conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
plant endangered This plant is endangered

Plant Location

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Actaea racemosa
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Actaea racemosa

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Actaea racemosa

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Sorbaria sorbifolia (False spirea)
  • Aruncus dioicus (Goat's Beard)
  • Polygonatum odoratum (Solomon's Seal)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Surface sow with thin layer of mulch
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification duration: Not Available
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Double dormancy. Sow with thin layer of mulch.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: October
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Pods are slightly open and seeds inside are dark
  • Harvesting:
    • Use hand to detach from main stem
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/32 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • Harvesting notes: my haresting note
  • Harvesting video: Watch here

Toxicity Notes

Toxic to mammals if ingested.