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American Bugbane

Actaea racemosa

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American Bugbane (Actaea racemosa) at Wagner Nursery & Landscape

American Bugbane in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

American Bugbane (Actaea racemosa) at Wagner Nursery & Landscape

American Bugbane flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  3 feet

Flower Height:  5 feet

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3

Other Names:  Black Snakeroot, Black Cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa

Description:

A native perennial presenting numerous spikes of small, white, fragrant flowers in late summer to early fall; needs a location sheltered from strong winds; perfect for a shady, woodland garden

Ornamental Features

American Bugbane features bold spikes of fragrant white flowers rising above the foliage from mid summer to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive serrated compound leaves emerge burgundy in spring, turning dark green in color with prominent deep purple tips throughout the season. The brown fruits are carried on spikes from late summer to late winter.

Landscape Attributes

American Bugbane is an herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It has no significant negative characteristics.

American Bugbane is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

American Bugbane will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity extending to 5 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to be leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and should be underplanted with lower-growing perennials. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Foliage Color  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features

What Our Clients & Customers Say

To Marc and the crew at Wagner Landscaping,
Just short note to thank you for the quality craftsmanship you delivered at our Jefferson City residence. Our home was cut into a steeply sloping lot necessitating the need for considerable water management and erosion control landscaping. The sculpturing, erosion matting, retaining wall and ditch work was completed in short order, getting us ready for the winter. We are confident that when the snow melts and the rainy season comes next year our property will be ready to handle it. Thanks and best wishes to all.

– Steve Wilhoit –

Dear Chris,
I hope this is the greatest letter of recommendation you’ve ever received – I know it won’t be your last. To anyone who reads this, I can say without hesitation that Chris Wagner should legally change his name to Mr. Boulder! (Just one look at his hands will confirm that this title has been earned.) Chris and his team tackled a very remote project for us with hustle, integrity, imagination and great execution. We couldn’t be happier with the results. If Chris says “it” – “it” happens! We are happy to enthusiastically recommend one of the finest individuals with whom we have worked.
Sincerely,
William W. Nicholson

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Contact Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Company for your next landscaping project

 

 

Family-owned and operated since 1995

Our 2 Montana garden center locations, Butte and Belgrade & Bozeman areas, provide you with quality and experience.

Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Co. Belgrade, MT

Wagner Nursery, Belgrade
220 Kendall Ct, Belgrade, MT 59714, USA
(406) 388-2559
Hours: By Appointment

Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Co. Butte, MT

Wagner Nursery, Butte
33 Holliday Dr, Butte, MT 59701, USA
(406) 782-5855
CLOSED: Except by appointment call nursery to schedule.