Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

## Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh, or *Actaea racemosa*, is a native plant found in eastern North America. Flourishing in woodland areas, it boasts tall spires of delicate white flowers in late spring to early summer.

Indigenous people in both the United States and Canada use this plant for medicinal purposes. It is also used by people worldwide as a herbal supplement. Controversially, there have been indications of problems associated with the usage of Black Cohosh, though research also indicates this might not be accurate. Wild harvesting of *Actaea racemosa for* commercial reasons can be a problem in areas where the plant is in danger of extirpation.

It is thought by some to have an unpleasant scent to attract certain pollinators. Despite the name it is not related to Blue Cohosh.

## Sowing and Reproduction

There is no gender requirement to grow *Actaea racemosa.*

**Method**

Sow on top of the soil. Mixed information, but some sites say it needs light to germinate.

**Cold Stratification**

Black Cohosh has a rather specific method of germination, requiring both a treatment of warm, moist seed followed by a cold moist stratification. This is unusual. Sources vary on time, but Wild Plants from Seed says 3 months of warm followed by 3 months of cold.

## Visuals

### Seasonal Interest

Fall: Seed Pods/heads, Winter: Sculptural Stems (if seeds not harvested)

## Benefits

### Uses

Pollinator Garden, Rain Garden, Shade Garden, Borders, Medicinal

### Host to

Spring Azure (closeby, science divided on borders of this butterfly in relation to Ontario. Possibly present.), Holly Blue (Not present), and Appalachian Azure (Not present) Butterflies/Larva host

This is likely the reason why many sales sites list it as double dormancy, but it can be germinated in one year if you artificially warm stratify before sowing or before doing your own artificial cold stratification.

## Harvesting

When the Oval seed pods turn brown and begin to split, harvest them. Let them dry and extract the seeds by manual methods such as shaking in a paper bag, crushing or other methods.  Remove chaff through preferred method.

## Storage

Store dry or moist if you are attempting artificial warm stratification. Make sure to NOT store in fridge if you are starting the cycle of stratification and storing it moist. If so, store somewhere at a steady not too cold temperature.

## Genus Changes

Carl Linnaeus originally placed Black Cohosh in the Actaea genus (*Actaea Racemosa),* until Nuttall decided the species was more akin to a Cimicifuga *(Cimicifuga racemosa).* Later it was surmised that Linnaeus was indeed more accurate and that Black Cohosh had more similarities with the *Actaea* genus. Thus, it was reclassified again.

For this reason, you may see both names used interchangeably.

## Toxicity

**Strength:** Average, with root and berries being the most dangerous. However, it is also eaten by wildlife with no issues and used by humans as a herbal supplement.

**Toxic to:**

* **Humans:** Though used as a herbal supplement, some studies have indicated *Actaea Racemosa* may be damaging and it can be said to be dangerous, certainly, in high quantities. However, the scientific data is ongoing. See wikipedia or google for more information.
* **Dogs and** Yes. Dogs don't tend to eat the berries as it has an unpleasant taste, but large amounts can be fatal.
* **Cats:** Unknown, but given the effect on dogs recommended to avoid.
* **Livestock:** Unknown, but given the effect on dogs recommended to avoid.

1. ↑ Francis Groeters : Creative Commons
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Google
3. ↑ NatureServe Explorer
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Wikipedia
5. ↑ Floral Encounters
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Wild Plants From Seed
7. ↑ Wild Plants from Seed
8. ↑ Photo by H. Zell Public Domain via Wiki site<ref>Wikipedia
9. ↑ Photo by H. Zell Public Domain via Wiki site
10. ↑ Wag Walking