Black Cohosh Plant

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

Black Cohosh's Flowers

The flower can grow anywhere between 12-24 inches tall. It blossoms during June, July, and August and lasts three weeks. The Black Cohosh flowers don't have petals. Instead, they look like a cluster of white pearls. They also resemble a large candle that stands out nicely among summer 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 pollinator and deer-resistant.

The Black Cohosh Plant 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 it tends to fall off shortly after the flowers bloom. It is usually found in shaded to partially shaded areas, but it can also grow in full sun.

Black Cohosh Plant Uses

The Black Cohosh plant not only looks great in the yard but can also be used medicinally. This unique plant extract 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 uterus muscles. It can also be used to lessen cough spasms that come with bronchitis and pneumonia.