Hardy, herbaceous North American perennial
Description: Tall spires of snow-white blossoms in early summer tower above the rich, large, dark green foliage
Habit: Flower stalks grow to 6' high; 3' wide
Culture: Prefers shade but tolerates some sun; rich, woodsy, well-prepared garden loam and mulch; plant crowns just below soil surface
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 through 8
Origin: North America
Jefferson documented

Black cohosh, or snakeroot, has been grown in American gardens since the late 18th century. Thomas Lamboll sent three kinds of snakeroot to Philadelphia nurseryman and plant explorer William Bartram during the late 1700s, and one is believed to be this species. Thomas Jefferson included "Black snake-root" in a list of native medicinal plants in his only published book, Notes on the State of Virginia (1781). Black cohosh is a long-lived perennial that will slowly increase in size for many years and not require dividing. The lacy foliage forms an attractive mound in the flower border or woodland garden.

Black Cohosh; Snakeroot (Actaea racemosa) arrives in a 1 quart pot.