Actaea simplex Atropurpurea

The Cimicifuga or Actaea simplex 'Atropurpurea' is a perennial of remarkable elegance in the shaded areas of the garden. It reaches its full potential in late summer when it adorns itself with large, pure white, fragrant flower heads that resemble silver candles. Vigorous, hardy, and relatively tolerant of summer drought, this medicinal plant haunts the open woods, revealing many secrets. This majestic actaea slowly establishes itself, forming bushy clumps with an architectural appearance, which are very interesting in the background of a flower bed.

The Cicimifuga racemosa is a plant from the buttercup family native to the forests of eastern and central North America. It has long been known for its medicinal properties. 'Atropurpurea' is the dark purple foliage form of this majestic perennial. Growing from a knotty rhizome with fibrous roots arranged in a compact mass, this plant slowly forms bushy clumps that reach a height of 1.50m (5ft) when flowering, with a spread of at least 60 cm (24in). Its stems are covered with large, compound, finely divided leaves, as elegant as fern fronds, sometimes 40 cm (16in) long. They are adorned with a very dark purple colour, which appears black in shade and against the light. The flowering occurs in late summer in large terminal flower heads in slender, cream-white, spike-like clusters measuring 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in), slightly arched, composed of somewhat powdery and highly fragrant flowers. This flowering is very melliferous and nectariferous; everyone does not appreciate its fragrance.

The Purple Cohosh will thrive in partial shade, in the filtered light of a bright understory or at the edge of a forest. This species tolerates summer drought reasonably well and the competition from the roots of large trees or bushes. The highly architectural silhouette and extremely bright flowers at the back of flower beds will create a beautiful backdrop for perennials that have finished flowering at the end of summer. Its dark foliage pairs well with the pink and blue stars of asters, perennial geraniums, tall sedums, monkshoods, or the colourful foliage of heucheras. This plant will make a beautiful specimen when planted in a large pot on the terrace or near a water feature.

Native American people used the Purple Cohosh to aid in childbirth and treat menstrual disorders. Recent studies have revealed that it contains a substance with estrogenic properties. It is now commonly included in various herbal remedies that alleviate menopausal symptoms and other related conditions.