Lawn Guardian

Black Cohosh Care Guide

Actaea racemosa

perennialZones 3–8nativedeer resistant

Dramatic native woodland perennial with tall, white bottlebrush flower spikes rising 4-6 feet above bold compound foliage. A statement plant for shade gardens.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Apply compost Early spring

Top-dress with compost to mimic natural woodland soil enrichment.

Summer

Keep soil moist During dry periods

This woodland plant prefers consistently moist soil. Water during dry spells.

Fall

Leave seed heads Fall

Interesting dark seed heads provide fall and winter structure.

Ecological value

Native Appalachian woodland species. Fragrant flowers attract native pollinators. Historically important medicinal plant for indigenous peoples.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns