Snakeroot, Black Cohosh, Bugbane, Cimifuga Actea racemosa

• Hardy Zone 3
• Very fragrant
• Blooms late Summer /Fall
• Perennial
• Lovely cut flower
• Shade /partial shade
• Architectural
• Insects love it
• Pretty foliage
• Focus plant
• Good combined with Hostas, Hydrangea, Gooseneck Loosestrife +

I consider this plant one of my stars for all of the above reasons. Its flowers are like stars themselves arranged along its snakelike stem and opening progressively from the bottom up. Each flower is an arrangement of stamens around one stigma.

Cimifuga does not like direct hot sun so a cool shaded position is best. As with most plants it is best to plant in loamy soil. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary. Cimifuga likes its rhizome and roots to remain damp but not soaking wet.

I have found this plant easy to care for despite the scorching days we now receive in the summer. Its height of up to eight feet makes a beautiful statement in early to late fall. It is blooming now on September 15th in my garden and will hold its blooms for about three to fours weeks.

When checking this plant in references, remember that in Zone Three blooming times are frequently later than higher zones so my experience may not match everything that is written about this plant.

Cimifuga combines well with Hostas, Astilbes, Hydrangea, Gooseneck Loosestrife and Darmera.

Cimifuga leaves.

Cimifuga after having been thinned for cut flowers.