Bring the Outdoors Home

Black Cohosh | Plant Profile

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga ramosa) are perennials with tall, upright stems that support clusters of white, fluffy flowers. The dark green foliage is dense and clump forming.

Black Cohosh prefers fertile, medium moisture soils in part shade to full shade. The soils should remain consistently moist. If the soil dries out, leaf scorch and wilting is possible. A layer of mulch can help to maintain consistent soil moisture. Black Cohosh can be slow to establish and should be guarded from strong winds.

Black Cohosh can bring height to woodland or naturalized areas. The tall flower stalks can be quite ornamental when the plants are grouped and in full bloom.

Description

Black Cohosh Characteristics

Black Cohosh are wildflowers that are native to the American midwest. The clump-forming foliage is deep green with lobed and serrated leaves. The flower stems grow much taller than the foliage. Small, fragrant white flowers grow along the upright stems. the fragrance is naturally repellent to insects.

There are few serious insect or disease issues that plague Black Cohosh. Rust and leaf spot can occur. The flowers stems may reach for bright light when grown in shady areas.

USDA Climate Zone
Zones 3 - 8
Height
4.00 - 6.00'
Spread
2.00 - 4.00'
Bloom Time
June - July
Water
Medium
Sun
Part Shade - Full Shade
Maintenance
Low
Deer Resistant?
No