Cimicifuga (Ranunculaceae)
Black cohosh is a group of about 16-18 different species with worldwide distribution. A hardy and reliable plant with a beautiful architectural form. Tall spires of sweet smelling (though not always “sweet”), white bottle brush shaped inflorescence rise in late summer from a mound of attractive cut leaves. The cultivars have foliage in shades of purple originating from the Asian C. simplex. Best grown in rich, moist soil and full sun to best bring out the purple color. The plants tend to lean in shady areas. The species have become hopelessly muddled because of crossing and the advent of ornamental cultivars. To add to the confusion, the species has now been lumped with Acteae, like our native blue cohosh. To my knowledge the racemosa and americana (maybe the same?) are the native North American species and are more green. The Asian species, was known as ramosa, is now actually C. simplex, and has given rise to most of the best late flowering, purple cultivars.
We have been propagating a nice selection of species and cultivars.
AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
C. racemosa (?) - The native, green leaved form, late summer flower. We have quite a few 4 year old plants (they grow slow from seed). Wholesale pricing available. Grown form seeds gathered from a plant labeled as C. racemosa.
C. simplex - Unknown purple cultivar, quite tall to 6’ with flowers, vigorous, late summer and fall blooming. More open form. Very aromatic!
C. simplex ‘James Compton’ - One of the best cultivars. More compact to 4’, very dark foliage. Grow in morning sun for best color. Very aromatic.
C. racemosa sold in 4” pots.
Black cohosh is a group of about 16-18 different species with worldwide distribution. A hardy and reliable plant with a beautiful architectural form. Tall spires of sweet smelling (though not always “sweet”), white bottle brush shaped inflorescence rise in late summer from a mound of attractive cut leaves. The cultivars have foliage in shades of purple originating from the Asian C. simplex. Best grown in rich, moist soil and full sun to best bring out the purple color. The plants tend to lean in shady areas. The species have become hopelessly muddled because of crossing and the advent of ornamental cultivars. To add to the confusion, the species has now been lumped with Acteae, like our native blue cohosh. To my knowledge the racemosa and americana (maybe the same?) are the native North American species and are more green. The Asian species, was known as ramosa, is now actually C. simplex, and has given rise to most of the best late flowering, purple cultivars.
We have been propagating a nice selection of species and cultivars.
AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
C. racemosa (?) - The native, green leaved form, late summer flower. We have quite a few 4 year old plants (they grow slow from seed). Wholesale pricing available. Grown form seeds gathered from a plant labeled as C. racemosa.
C. simplex - Unknown purple cultivar, quite tall to 6’ with flowers, vigorous, late summer and fall blooming. More open form. Very aromatic!
C. simplex ‘James Compton’ - One of the best cultivars. More compact to 4’, very dark foliage. Grow in morning sun for best color. Very aromatic.
C. racemosa sold in 4” pots.
Black cohosh is a group of about 16-18 different species with worldwide distribution. A hardy and reliable plant with a beautiful architectural form. Tall spires of sweet smelling (though not always “sweet”), white bottle brush shaped inflorescence rise in late summer from a mound of attractive cut leaves. The cultivars have foliage in shades of purple originating from the Asian C. simplex. Best grown in rich, moist soil and full sun to best bring out the purple color. The plants tend to lean in shady areas. The species have become hopelessly muddled because of crossing and the advent of ornamental cultivars. To add to the confusion, the species has now been lumped with Acteae, like our native blue cohosh. To my knowledge the racemosa and americana (maybe the same?) are the native North American species and are more green. The Asian species, was known as ramosa, is now actually C. simplex, and has given rise to most of the best late flowering, purple cultivars.
We have been propagating a nice selection of species and cultivars.
AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
C. racemosa (?) - The native, green leaved form, late summer flower. We have quite a few 4 year old plants (they grow slow from seed). Wholesale pricing available. Grown form seeds gathered from a plant labeled as C. racemosa.
C. simplex - Unknown purple cultivar, quite tall to 6’ with flowers, vigorous, late summer and fall blooming. More open form. Very aromatic!
C. simplex ‘James Compton’ - One of the best cultivars. More compact to 4’, very dark foliage. Grow in morning sun for best color. Very aromatic.
C. racemosa sold in 4” pots.