Black Cohosh
Actaea racemosa
Family: Ranunculaceae
Black Cohosh grows in partial shade to shade and prefers moist, rich woodland soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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How to Grow Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh growing information includes sunlight requirements of Partial shade to shade, soil conditions listed as Moist, rich woodland soil with a soil pH of 5.0-7.0, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 3-8. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Black Cohosh as 60-180 days with warm-cold stratification, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/4 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 2-3 years.
Plant Overview
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is listed in the Ranunculaceae family and categorized as a flower with a perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0368
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Plant type
- Flower
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Growing Conditions
Black Cohosh is listed for partial shade to shade conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Moist, rich woodland soil. The listed soil pH range is 5.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 3-8.
- Hardiness zones
- 3-8
- Sunlight
- Partial shade to shade
- Soil
- Moist, rich woodland soil
- Soil pH
- 5.0-7.0
- Water needs
- Moderate
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 60-180 days with warm-cold stratification and the seed depth is 1/4 inch. The listed time to maturity is 2-3 years. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 60-180 days with warm-cold stratification
- Seed depth
- 1/4 inch
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 2-3 years
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.