Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L [formerly Cimicifuga racemosa])
Botanical characteristics
Black cohosh is a
member of the buttercup family, a native of eastern North America.(5)
It grows in upland woods and hillsides with a 3-9 foot stem and irregular
divided leaves with a terminal 3-lobed leaflet, middle lobe largest.(6,7)
It has small, fragrant white flowers with very long spikes from May through
August.(6-8)
Farmers may be able to grow black cohosh in the sun in cooler climates
with adequate moisture,8 though it benefits from light shade. In the southern
US, it prefers light shade, high humidity, and regular watering.(8) Propagate
by division of the rhizome in spring or fall or by seed.(8) Harvest 3-5
years after planting in the fall or early spring.(8,9)