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Cimicifuga racemosa
Black Cohosh
Description
Cimicifuga racemosa, or Black Cohosh, is a 3-5 foot perennial with excellent compound foliage and soaring wand-like white flower spikes in summer. Black Cohosh can be found in part sun to full shade and moist, well-drained soils. Historically, the roots of Black Cohosh were used by Native Americans for rheumatism, and believed to help with kidney issues, as well as coughs and the common cold. The perennial is a good nectar and pollen source for many pollinators. Black Cohosh is a larval host for the Spring Azure, Holly Blue and Appalachian Azure butterflies.
Other names include Actaea racemosa, Black Bugbane, Black Snakeroot, or Fairy Candle. Despite its similar common name, it is not closely related to Blue Cohosh.