James H. Schutte
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
Cimicifuga simplex
Plant Common Name
Bugbane
General Description
Native to Russia and a large part of eastern Asia, autumn snakeroot is a tall perennial with leafed flowerstalks topped by arching racemes of white flowers in autumn. These are borne above clumps of bright green or purplish green foliage with toothed leaflets.
Autumn snakeroot prefers fertile, humus-based, well-drained soil and a partially shaded, evenly moist location. A graceful plant, it may need staking to best show off its stately form. Use it as an accent plant in a woodland garden or in the perennial border where shade from a nearby tree prevents other perennials from flowering. There are many cultivars available, some with striking dark green to purple foliage such as 'Brunette', ' Hillside Black Beauty' and 'Atropurpurea'.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
-
Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17
-
Plant Type
Perennial
-
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
-
Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
-
Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
-
Bloom Time
Early Fall, Fall
-
Native To
Russia/Siberia, China, Japan, Korea
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Average
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Clump-Forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
White
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Fine
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
No
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Foundation, Mixed Border
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Attracts
Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
No
