ACTAEA RACEMOSA – BLACK COHOSH
An herbacous wildflower, Black Cohosh a member of the Ranunculaceae family, Cimicifuga reacemosa,likes a moist shaded area. Whether you collect your own seeds, or purchase them from a reputable nursery, Black Cohosh is easy to grow though it maz take two or three seasons to establish. Once it does, it can be from 20 inches to 6 feet with serrated leaves up to 39 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in the summer from June until August and are white with an insect repelling effect, sometimes known as bugbane. The leaves are pointed and fern like until they uncurl. With a smooth stem that divides as it grows. One plant can have many white flowers with individual stalks containing dozens of flowers in the shape of little buttons that open to several stamin.
Black Cohosh is able to thrive at the same location for years. In its natural state, it is found in moist rich well drained soil and grows mostly on hillsides and in the woodland areas with plenty of mulch.. Known as a hardy, it will easily survive in almost freezing temperatures, although it likes shade, it will grow in full sun and is also known as a medicinal herb.
This perennial requires water to thrive. When planting the seed, do so in soil that is rich in humus similar to the kind found in the woods. It will mostly self sow, or if you want, sow the seed about a quarter of an inch under the surface of the soil sometime in late summer. It is important to keep the environment moist. Black Cohosh grows well in somewhat moderately acidic soil from 5.0 to 6.0.
Great for people with very little time. Black Cohosh seedlings can be transplanted in the spring, once the frost gone. The temperatures should be mild and frost completely absent.