Black Cohosh Plant

Black Cohosh is known as Actaea racemosa is part of the daffodil and buttercup family and is a native North American plant. It's a fast-growing plant that can thrive in a variety of well-drained soil types. It's a beautiful flower that can adorn gardens and natural areas around your home. They do best in zones 4-9 and are fairly drought tolerant.

Black Cohosh's Flowers

The flower can grow anywhere between 12-24 inches tall. It blossoms during the months of June, July, and August, and last for three weeks. Its flowers don't have petals, instead, they look like a cluster white pearls. They also, resemble a large candle that stands out nicely among summers blooms. They hold their color longer than other shade plants. Its stem is narrow and smooth and divides into three parts as it grows. Its flowers have an unusual smell that some might say is unpleasant. It repels insects like bees, gnats, and flies. In the past the root was used to treat snakebites. It's also a pollinator and deer resistant.

Black Cohosh's Appearance

One stalk can contain dozens of these peal like flowers. As it grows it takes on a shade of green that gives it a unique appearance, though they tend to fall off shortly after the flowers bloom. Black cohosh is usually found in shaded to partially shaded areas, but it can grow in full sun as well.

Black Cohosh's Uses

This plant not only looks great in the yard but can be used medicinally as well. The extract of this unique plant is believed to help with inflammation and work as a sedative. Women have been known to use it to help with painful menstrual symptoms and relax the muscles of the uterus. It can also be used to lessen cough spasms that come with bronchitis and pneumonia.

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