Overview
Actaea rubifolia is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennials perennial in the genus Actaea, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous, compound leaves, often with attractive foliage foliage. Actaea rubifolia grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, shaded borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds. It is native to Appalachian Mountains and Eastern United States.
About
Actaea rubifolia, commonly known as Appalachian black cohosh or Appalachian bugbane, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family. The plant does well in alkaline soils and mature forests.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actaea rubifolia
About the genus
Actaea, commonly called baneberry, bugbane and cohosh, is a genus of flowering plants of the family Ranunculaceae, native to subtropical, temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Actaea (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Actaea (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Actaea
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Actaea rubifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, rhizomatous perennials
- Foliage
- Deciduous, compound leaves, often with attractive foliage
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, shaded borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Appalachian Mountains, Eastern United States
- Toxicity
- It is poisonous if consumed by humans.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Actaea rubifolia
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn, division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Actaea rubifolia?
Actaea rubifolia prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Actaea rubifolia need?
Actaea rubifolia grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Actaea rubifolia hardy in the UK?
Actaea rubifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Actaea rubifolia?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn, division in early spring.
Is Actaea rubifolia toxic?
It is poisonous if consumed by humans.
More in the Actaea genus
- Actaea 'Brunette'
- Actaea 'White Pearl'
- Actaea cordifolia
- Actaea simplex 'Pink Spike'baneberry 'Pink Spike'
- Actaea cimicifugafoetid bugbane