Cimicifuga racemosa

Actaea or Cimicifuga racemosa, also known as Black cohosh, is a beautiful perennial with large, light green leaves. It reaches its full potential in late summer when adorned with tall, graceful and pale inflorescences that resemble silver candles. Vigorous, hardy and fairly tolerant of summer drought, this medicinal plant grows in clear understories. This majestic actaea slowly establishes itself, forming bushy, sculptural clumps which are very interesting in the background of a border.

Cimicifuga racemosa is a plant of the buttercup family, native to the forests of eastern and central North America. Long known for its medicinal properties it is a sturdy and majestic perennial. Developing from a nodose rhizome with fibrous roots arranged in compact masses, this plant slowly forms bushy clumps reaching a height of 2m (7ft) when flowering, with a minimum spread of 70 cm (28in). Its stems are fewer in number than other species and covered with large compound leaves, very finely divided and as elegant as fern fronds, sometimes as long as 50 cm (20in). They are very light green and release a surprising odour when crushed. The flowering occurs in July, with numerous large terminal inflorescences, in thin pure white, erect or arching spikes of small flowers with an indescribable fragrance. This flowering nectar-rich and its scent is not pleasing to everyone.

Black cohosh thrives in partial shade, in the dappled light of a clear understory or on the edge of a forest. This species tolerates summer drought and root competition fairly well. In the back of borders, its architectural silhouette and bright flowers create a beautiful backdrop for perennials that have finished flowering in late summer. Its foliage pairs well with the pink and blue stars of asters. This majestic plant will make a beautiful focal point when planted in a large pot on the terrace.

Cimicifuga racemosa was used by native peoples of North America to facilitate childbirth and combat menstrual disorders. Recent research has proven that it contains a substance with estrogenic effects. It is currently included in various herbal preparations used to combat menopausal symptoms, among other things...