Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Pink Spike'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
60 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Actaea racemosa, a clump-forming perennial native to eastern North American woodlands, features deeply-cut, astilbe-like foliage and tall, bottlebrush-like spires of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in late summer. This cultivar is distinguished by its deep bronze-purple foliage that provides season-long interest and its fragrant, pale pink flowers on tall, wand-like spires.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds lightly into moist soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Transplant seedlings when they are sturdy, after 6 weeks.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide mature plants in early spring or fall every 3-4 years.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Pro Tip
Provide partial shade for optimal growth and vibrant blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote healthy growth
- Apply organic mulch annually to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from using chemical fertilizers excessively
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Black Cohosh questions
What zones can Black Cohosh grow in?
Black Cohosh is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Black Cohosh deer resistant?
Yes — Black Cohosh is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Black Cohosh bloom?
Black Cohosh typically blooms in late summer to early fall through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Black Cohosh need full sun?
Black Cohosh does best in part shade.
More Cimicifuga to compare
Chocoholic Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Chocoholic'
Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Black Snakeroot'
Purple-leaved Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Atropurpurea'
Bugbane Brunnette
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Brunnette'
Black Negligee Bugbane
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Black Negligee'
Bugbane Black Beauty
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Black Beauty'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Black Cohosh with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
