Black Snakeroot

Light Needs

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 to 8

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.