Actaea cimicifuga, commonly known as black cohosh, is a perennial herb native to Siberia to Korea. It can reach up to 2 meters in height and produces tall, wand-like racemes of small, creamy white flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers are mildly fragrant and attract a variety of pollinators. Black cohosh has compound leaves that are deeply divided and toothed, contributing to its lush, fern-like appearance. The plant is particularly noted for its striking vertical form and the contrast its dark, bottlebrush flower spikes provide against the green foliage.

Black cohosh is appreciated in cultivation for its dramatic flower spikes and its ability to thrive in shady conditions, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It is also used in borders for vertical interest. This plant prefers consistently moist, rich soils with good drainage and can tolerate full to partial shade. While it is generally low maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and snail or slug damage. Black cohosh has a history of medicinal use by Native Americans and is currently used in alternative medicine, particularly for treating menopausal symptoms. However, gardeners should exercise caution as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0