Pronounced (approximate): ak-TAY-ah ray-see-MO-sah
Long white flower spikes rise above the foliage. Numerous projecting stamens give the flowers a fluffy appearance.
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa): white flower spike in close view. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Ranunculaceae
Life cycle Herbaceous perennial
Blooms Late spring–summer
Height 4–6 feet or taller in flower
Habitat Moist, rich deciduous woods and shaded slopes
Common names
Black Cohosh · Black Baneberry · Black Bugbane
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Moist, rich deciduous woods and shaded slopes. Flowering season: late spring–summer.
Often listed under the older name Cimicifuga racemosa. Black Cohosh forms dry seed capsules, unlike the blue berry-like seeds of Blue Cohosh, which belongs to a different plant family.
Long white flower spikes rise above the foliage.
Large compound leaves have sharply toothed leaflets.
Look for herbaceous perennial growth in moist, rich deciduous woods and shaded slopes. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
14 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Eastern North America, including Ontario and Quebec.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Black Cohosh in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.