Home Prairie and Wetland Center
16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
Tel: (816) 331-9738
Fax: (816) 331-9739

Actaea podocarpa

Black Cohosh

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Actaea podocarpa (Black Cohosh)

An aristocratic plant with tall spires of fragrant, tiny white flowers in early summer over mounds of finely-cut, fanlike green leaves. The flowers actually lack petals; the numerous stamens create the appearance of a white flower spike. Grows well in shade to part sun. Black Cohosh was an important medicinal herb to Native Americans and is being explored today as a possible ingredient in cancer treatment.

Additional Information:


Height
2-3 Feet

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Spread
2-3 Feet

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
White


USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Good Companions
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta), Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), Silvery Spleenwort (Deparia acrostichoides), Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis), Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana), Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Characteristics & Attributes

Critter Resistance

Rabbit Resistant

Hydrologic Designation

UPL

Nature Attracting

Beneficial Insects

Season of Interest

Mid (May-June)

Soil Moisture

High
Moderate

Special Uses

Fragrant
Fresh Cut Flower

Sun Exposure

Medium Sun/Average Shade
Shade

USFS MO Ecological Map