Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
Actaea racemosa
Plant Common Name
Black Baneberry, Black Bugbane
General Description
Tall, bottlebrush-like spikes of fragrant white flowers top this tall perennial's stems from midsummer to early fall. Black bugbane is a woodland perennial that forms a clump, native to the eastern United States.
The glossy dark green leaves are compound - having three leaflets each and attached in groups of three on a leaf stalk. The individual leaflets are oval but are irregularly toothed. Depending on climate, each stem forms a very long flowerspike 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's time. The fragrance is often regarded as unpleasant. The spent spikes remain attractive even after flowering ceases. Often there are additional, small flowerspikes that rise from the base of the main one. The fruits that subsequently form after being insect-pollinated are first green, then dry to become brown before opening to release seeds.
Grow black bugbane in partial shade in 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 more rounded plants in the mixed shade border handsomely. 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 do so on plants that have been undisturbed for quite some time.
Selection 'Atropurpurea' has purple-tinted foliage in spring that becomes more green by the time the tall white flowerspikes develop in summer.
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
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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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, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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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
