- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 6 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
For adding height and structure to a border, the Black Snakeroot is a great perennial choice. Botanically named Actaea racemosa, this plant is native to Eastern North America and is commonly referred to as Black Cohosh. With its tall, white flowers that bloom from June and tower above its contrasting, green foliage, this plant is often used for adding architectural interest to the back of a border. Its white flowers can appear almost luminous come dusk and look especially stunning when planted in front of a dark background.
With a mound-forming habit, this perennial plant will die back in winter to reappear the following spring. Thankfully, the Black Snakeroot is resistant to rabbits and in some cases deer, so it should grow easily, even in rural areas. As a low-maintenance plant, almost the only care it needs is for its tall flowering stems to be staked and tied in as they grow. It can be grown individually, but perhaps provides the most impact when planted in a group.
Black Snakeroot Care
Black Snakeroot prefers to be grown in moist and fertile soil that is on the acidic side. It tends to thrive in partial shade but can tolerate full shade as well, although blooming may be reduced. With a liking for moist soils, it needs to be watered regularly until established and during any future dry spells. Fertilization is not generally required, but a spring mulch of organic matter or leaf mold will help give this plant a boost.
The flowering stems can either be removed once finished or left to form seed heads and provide winter interest. In spring, any dead foliage can be cut back to the base and removed to make way for new growth.
Black Snakeroot Spacing
The Black Snakeroot tends to be most effective when planted in groups or drifts. When planted in groups, space plants 24 to 36 inches apart.
Black Snakeroot Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 6 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 4 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 4 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: June |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Low |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Black Snakeroot |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Actaea racemosa |
- SKU:
- 1231003323-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.