Black Cohosh, Cohosh, Bugbane
Actaea racemosa (L.) Nutt.
Black cohosh is a common, but very popular, woman's herb used in menopause and childbirth. Its immense popularity has caused concern for its well being and cultivation is encouraged. Fortunately, it is easy to cultivate. It is an attractive shrub, which can grow quite tall, with delicate, lacy-type foliage. It thrives in rich, moist soil in about 80% shade. The roots are harvested in early fall for medicinal use. It can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in spring or fall. Seed propagation is difficult, but we have a graduate student currently working on this problem.
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Updated September 2002
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