Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
ACTAEA racemosa 'Atropurpurea'
Plant Common Name
Black Bugbane, Purpleleaf Bugbane
General Description
Bottlebrush-like spikes of fragrant white flowers top the dark stems of ‘Atropurpurea’ from midsummer to early fall. It is a selection of Black bugbane, a woodland, clumping perennial native to the eastern United States.
The leaves are glossy and compound - having three leaflets each - and are borne in threes on each leaf stalk. The individual leaflets are oval and irregularly toothed. They are purple-tinted in spring, and fade to green in summer, while the stems remain dark. Depending on climate, each stem forms a very long flower spike from midsummer to as late as early fall. The thousands of tiny, white, fragrant flowers with many stamens open on the long spike for about one month, releasing a scent usually regarded as unpleasant. The spent spikes remain attractive even after flowering ceases. Often there are additional, small flower spikes that rise from the base of the main one. The fruits that subsequently form are first green, then dry to become brown before opening to release seeds.
Grow 'Atropurpurea' in partial shade and a fertile, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. It will tolerate full sun only in cooler summer regions and if soil moisture is constant. The wiry texture of this upright plant contrasts handsomely with more rounded plants in the mixed shade border. Consider staking to prevent windstorms from toppling the plant, especially as it begins to bloom. It also has a deep root system and does not divide well, so only divide plants that have been undisturbed for quite some time.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade
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Height
5'-7' / 1.5m - 2.1m
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Width
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, South-Central United States
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Purple
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Purple
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
