Cimicifuga Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Cimicifuga plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Black Cohosh, Snakeroot, & Bugbane: Cultivation & Garden Use

Plants of the Cimicifuga genus are hardy perennials that flower from the middle until late on in the summer.

Cimicifuga by Lilli2de.

They have brush like blooms with tiny white flowers.

Common names for members of the genus include Bugbane, Black cohosh and black snakeroot.

Latin names include Cimicifuga racemosa, Cimicifuga foetida, and Cimicifuga ramosa.

Cimicifuga simplex (Black Snakeroot) by Green Garden Vienna.

Cimicifuga racemosa by Homer Edward Price.

Commonly Grown Cimicifuga Species

Cimicifuga ramosa

Cimicifuga ramosa (Brunette Cultivar), photograph by Ivan Forsman; CC.

Cimicifuga racemose Syn. Actaea racemosa

Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh / Black bugbane / Black snakeroot Fairy candle), picture by Homer Edward Price; CC.

How to Grow Cimicifuga

If planning on growing Cimicifuga from seeds outdoors, then fresh seed should be sown in the autumn.

Sow the seeds into a partly or fully shaded area of the garden, that has humus rich soil and a pH of 5 to 6.

If you plan to first grow seedlings indoors, then you should first store the fresh seed for two months at 13 to 15 degrees centigrade (55 to 59°F).

The seeds should then be put into a bag in the fridge for a further two months. Seeds can then be sown for germination at 15 degrees (59°F).

Germination of Cimicifuga can take anything from one month to one year.

Seedlings should be planted out in mid-spring or autumn. Use a spacing of 60 cm to 1 metre (24 to 40 inches), dependent upon the size of the species.

Caring for Cimicifuga plant species in the Garden

Cimicifuga should be fertilized in the spring, and require watering during prolonged dry spells.

If you require more plants then they can be divided in the autumn.

Common Questions

How many members does the Cimicifuga genus have?

The Cimicifuga genus, also known as bugbane, presently consists of about 18 to 26 species.

Do members of Cimicifuga make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Cimicifuga plants are excellent for gardens as they have attractive foliage, tall flower spikes, and provide late-season blooms.

Which Cimicifuga species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Cimicifuga racemosa, also known as black cohosh or black bugbane.

Are members of the Cimicifuga plant genus fragrant?

Yes, Cimicifuga plants are known for their sweetly scented flowers, especially in the evening.

What is the perfect location to grow Cimicifuga?

Cimicifuga prefers partially shaded locations with fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

Is Cimicifuga invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Cimicifuga species are not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Cimicifuga plants from my garden?

To remove Cimicifuga, dig up the whole plant, including as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Cimicifuga genus, now often classified as Actaea, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These perennial plants, also known as bugbane or snakeroot, are known for their tall, elegant spires of fragrant, tiny flowers that bloom in late summer to early autumn.

To grow Cimicifuga, plant them in a shady location with rich, moist, well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or by division in spring or fall. Regular watering is necessary, especially in dry conditions. Given their height, they are often used in the back of borders or in woodland gardens.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Cimicifuga plants. Other members of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that you may be interested in growing in the garden inckude Buttercups, Columbine plants, Globe flower, and Pasque flowers.