Cimicifuga racemosa

Cimicifuga racemosa is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to eastern North America. It is commonly known as black cohosh, black bugbane, black snakeroot, and fairy candle.

Description

Cimicifuga racemosa is a herbaceous perennial plant that produces large, compound leaves from an underground rhizome, reaching a height of 0.5–2.5 m. It is characterized by a thick, black rootstock. The basal leaves are up to 1 m long and broad, forming repeated sets of three leaflets having a coarsely toothed margin. The flowers are produced in late spring and early summer on a tall stem, 75–250 cm tall, forming racemes up to 50 cm long. The flowers have no petals or sepals, and consist of tight clusters of 55-110 white, 5–10 mm long stamens surrounding a white stigma. The fruit is a dry follicle 5–10 mm long, containing several seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Cimicifuga racemosa is native to eastern North America, from the extreme south of Ontario to central Georgia, and west to Missouri and Arkansas. It grows in a variety of woodland habitats, and is often found in small woodland openings. The roots are dug in the autumn, after the aerial parts have died back, and are dried for later use.

Uses

Cimicifuga racemosa has a long history of use in Native American medicine and is currently used as a dietary supplement for women's health issues, including symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome. However, its efficacy and safety are not well studied, and its mechanism of action is not known.

Cultivation

Cimicifuga racemosa is cultivated as a garden plant, particularly for its ability to grow in shady locations. It is hardy to USDA zone 3.

Toxicity

Cimicifuga racemosa is toxic and can cause a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and visual disturbances.

See also

• List of plants used in herbalism
• List of garden plants