Black cohosh [Actea racemosa (L.) formerly Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt], member of the
Ranunculaceae family, is a native medicinal plant found in rich woodlands from Maine to
Georgia, west to Missouri, Indiana, and Ontario. In North Carolina it can be found at
elevations up to 4,000 feet. It is an herbaceous perennial reaching a mature height of well
above four feet and can grow at a rate of 18 to 22 inches per month during the growing
season. The leaves are large with three pinnately compound divisions and irregularly
toothed leaflets. Tall plumes of cream to white flowers, on a wand-like raceme, bloom
from May to July, often towering over six feet. From August to October, seeds develop in
capsules and make a rattling sound when they are mature and ready to be harvested.
Of economic importance are the rhizomes and roots. The rhizome is dark brown to black in
color; is thick and knobby; and produces large buds on the upper surface. The rhizomes also
have fibrous roots attached. When the leaves on the plant start to die back in the fall, the
root is harvested, cleaned, and dried.
MoonBranch Botanicals specializes in offering the highest quality fresh and dried botanicals, teas and live plants native to the great eastern hardwood forest of North America.
Please note: Plants native to temperate climates, especially those shipped bare-root, are generally best transplanted during the cooler months (October - March) while in or near a state of dormancy. While we make every attempt to ship as needed by our customers, please realize that there is a greater risk of transplant loss during the hot Summer months. Also realize that many species may lose their above ground portions the current season while the roots remain alive, producing new growth the following Spring.
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