Thriving in woodland soils rich with organic matter, black cohosh is one of the few summer-blooming perennials for shady areas. Plants can be slow to size up initially, but once established they grow into large stately clumps with tall flower stalks that rise gracefully above the foliage. Happy with morning sun or dappled light, black cohosh is a true northeastern woodland perennial that can hold its own with large ferns or used architecturally in contrast to our many smaller woodland perennials and groundcovers. Prefers soils that stay moist.
Thriving in woodland soils rich with organic matter, black cohosh is one of the few summer-blooming perennials for shady areas. Plants can be slow to size up initially, but once established they grow into large stately clumps with tall flower stalks that rise gracefully above the foliage. Happy with morning sun or dappled light, black cohosh is a true northeastern woodland perennial that can hold its own with large ferns or used architecturally in contrast to our many smaller woodland perennials and groundcovers. Prefers soils that stay moist.
Height: 4-6’
Bloom Time: mid-summer
Light: partial shade, dappled shade, morning sun preferred
Soil: moist to average
Establishment: slow to size up; start with larger plants or have patience!
Deer Resistance: high
Pollinator Support: very high; supports regionally at-risk pollinators
Other: host plant for the Appalachian azure butterfly
Native Range: Northeast
