Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) seeds, organic
$3.95 – $44.10
Family: Crowsfoot (Ranunculacea)
Hardy to Zone 4 to 9
(Rattle Pod) (The Latin name Cimicifuga racemosa is synonymous with the Latin name Actaea racemosa) Perennial, native to the Eastern Forest biome in the US. Hardy to all temperate zones. One of the best and most robust of herbal landscape plants. Striking foliage and tall white racemes. Traditional usage (WHM): antidepressant, tinnitus, menopause, PMS. Plant prefers edge of forest or shade garden. Black Cohosh withstands more shade than most forest-dependent plants, and if the seedlings are worked up for several years until they are quite large, then you can even plant it in the open garden with good results. Sow in fall for germination in first or second spring, or give 3 months warm followed by 3 months cold followed by warm again. If this scenario is followed, germ then occurs in warm soil in 1-2 weeks. Work seedlings up in pots in the shadehouse for a year or two before transplanting out. A long-lived plant, development is slow at first, but given adequate compost and moisture during the growing season, monumental individuals can eventually be achieved.
Packet contains 50 seeds
1 g contains ~450 seeds
5 g contains ~2,250 seeds
10 g contains ~4,500 seeds
Certified Organically Grown
Question
Nick G (verified owner) –
About a week and a half ago I put my seeds into a plastic bag in some moist peat moss to start the warm/cold/warm cycle. Today I noticed a long white radicle in the bag so I took it out and planted it. I also saw at least one other seed that was plump with imbibed water. I planted that one too. Is it possible that my lot of seed has already gone through a warm/cold cycle? I’m wondering if I should plant the rest now or follow the whole process through.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Nick, These are good observations and consistent with our experiences with several species including aconite, which as you know is another ranunc. It is pretty common to get a small flush of germination right away, while the majority of the seeds do require the stratification regimen. BTW our black cohosh seed hasn’t been stratified, for the most part any dried seeds you get from us are not stratified. You got a great start–stratify the rest. Richo
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Question
Laura M –
Will this plant produce a viable root harvest in zone 10a, or should zone 9 considered to be the limit? Thanks
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Richo Cech –
Hi Laura, The reason they aren’t listed for the warmer zones is because they need a winter dormancy. The seeds, too, need the chill period (warm/cold/warm) before germination is possible. Chaste tree might be a better choice for your warm zone, r
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Question
Cheryl –
I have this plant but never knew it was useful for tinnitus. How can I prepare it?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Cheryl, Herbalists usually make a dry root (rhizome) tincture of black cohosh. The specific recipe for how to do this is in our book “making plant medicine.” Richo
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