Black cohosh: species, plant care & use as a medicinal plant

Mareike
Mareike
Mareike
Mareike

It was through my love of plants that I came to study plant biotechnology. In everyday life, I deal with plants in all of my surroundings - be it in the garden, in my home or for my master thesis. They are a constant source of joy for me!

Favorite fruit: Currants
Favorite vegetable: Broccoli

Black cohosh can be used in many ways and is a winner not only with its medicinal benefits, but also as an ornamental plant. Here you can learn how to grow the medicinal plant at home and what to consider when using it.

White black cohosh flowers blooming
The black cohosh is a delightful addition to perennial gardens [Photo: Flower_Garden/ Shutterstock.com]

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), also called July silver primrose (Cimicifuga racemosa), is known as a medicinal plant and is mainly used to treat menopausal symptoms. But this silver candle is also well suited for graceful perennial gardens. In this article you will learn all about black cohosh and its care.

Black cohosh: origin and characteristics

Originally, the black cohosh comes from North America and Canada. Meanwhile, this medicinal plant can be found even in our latitudes in light forests. A member of the Ranunculaceae family, black cohosh is a perennial herbaceous plant, i.e. a perennial. It grows in a horsty manner and reaches a height of growth of one to two metres. Under the ground is found the dark root, which arises from the rhizome, a shoot that creeps underground. The dark green leaves are large, three- to five-lobed, unpaired leaflets. The flowerheads stand on erect thin stems.

When does black cohosh flower? Flowers of the medicinal plant can be seen in bloom in July. This is where the trivial name July silver primrose comes from, by which the black cohosh is also widely known. The flowerheads consist of silvery-white flowers that grow on clusters about 30-80 cm long. This flower cluster has similarities with a candle. After flowering, leathery fruits are formed, which contain many seeds.

Butterfly on black cohosh flowers
The flowers of the black cohosh attract many insects [Photo: Phil Robinson/ Shutterstock.com]

The most beautiful species and varieties

In addition to the black cohosh (synonym: July silver candle), there are other species that belong to the black cohosh. However, these have no medicinal effect. We present them to you because they have a high value as ornamental plants.

  • Cimicifuga ramosa (September silver primrose): This variety blooms in September, as its name suggests. The flower is creamy white. With a height of growth of 180 cm, it belongs to one of the larger species.
  • Cimicifuga simplex ‘Atropurpurea’ (Purple October Silver Primrose): Even after flowering, this variety is still pretty to look at. The foliage of silver primrose, which grows about 150-180 cm, is dark, greenish-red. The white flowers provide a nice contrast when in bloom from September to October.
  • Cimicifuga simplex ‘Brunette’ (Dark October Silver Primrose): The peculiarity of this variety lies in its dark foliage. The black and red leaves contrast nicely with the white to light pink flowers when in bloom from September to October. This variety reaches a height of 140-160 cm.
Dark black cohosh stems
Characteristic of the variety ‘Brunette’ are the dark, almost black, flower stems [Photo: imamchits/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Cimicifuga simplex ‘White Pearl’ (October silver primrose): This variety also blooms in October, as the name suggests. With a height of growth of 120-150 cm, it is of medium height. The snow-white branched panicles of flowers slightly overhang.

Planting and caring for black cohosh

Black cohosh can also grow well in your garden. Plant the purchased root pieces can be from spring to autumn. In summer, care should be taken to ensure adequate moisture. Black cohosh prefer a partial shade to slightly sunny location. Between individual plants should be a sufficient distance of about 100 cm due to the herbaceous growth and large growth height. The soil is best well moist, nutrient-rich and humus. These properties are met, for example, by our peat-free Plantura Organic Enriched Compost with high humus content. This provides biological activity in the soil and fertile soil.

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Cutting the black cohosh is not necessary. After the flowering period of the perennial is over, the foliage turns golden in the autumn. After that, the leaves are shed. The next spring, the black cohosh sprouts anew from its rhizome. Black cohosh in general are insensitive to frost and hardy to about – 30 ° C.

Harvesting, use and effect of black cohosh

Unfortunately, you can not use the specially grown black cohosh from the garden as a medicinal plant. Ingredients such as triterpene glycosides and flavonoids are relevant for the effect of black cohosh. They are found exclusively in the root. But these important ingredients are not present in the plant in sufficient quantities. However, preparations with concentrated black cohosh extract are commercially available.

Black cohosh in a garden
The active ingredients of black cohosh are found in the roots [Photo: Flower_Garden/ Shutterstock.com]

Professional black cohosh preparations are mainly used as a remedy for menopausal symptoms such as sweating or hot flushes. These symptoms are triggered by the lowering of estrogen levels. The ingredients of the medicinal plant have a balancing effect on these fluctuations in hormone levels. Studies have proven the efficacy and safety of taking preparations with black cohosh. A positive effect can occur after a little two to three weeks. However, permanent use should only be done after consulting your doctor. Even before the first dose, the gynecologist can answer whether a preparation with black cohosh is generally suitable.

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