Black Cohosh Live Root (Cimicifuga racemosa), organic

Please note:  As of August 2022 we are taking orders for fall dormant roots.  Shipments begin in October and end Dec 1st.  First come first served.  Your early order is advised, these will sell out.  Richo

(The Latin name Cimicifuga racemosa is synonymous with the Latin name Actaea racemosa)

Black Cohosh is the most universally adaptable of all the Appalachian medicinals. We receive ongoing reports from gardening friends all over the United States who have been hugely successful in cultivating this plant from our vigorous, weighty rootstock. A showy favorite on the shady border, striking compound leaves give rise to tall white flowering racemes to 5 feet. The tincture of fresh root is proestrogenic, antidepressant, pain relieving, sedative, peripheral vasodilating, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory, customarily used to control the infamous “hot flashes” of menopause. Useful in home medicine and high market demand.
Planting Black Cohosh Roots:  Best to plant dormant live roots in the fall for emergence in the spring.  May be planted in woodlands, shady garden or in pots.  Black Cohosh likes a little shade, but it does withstand more sunlight than goldenseal, bloodroot and blue cohosh. This plant will grow as a standard garden plant and does not really need to be in a woodland setting, although it will grow fine in the woods, too.  In any case, Black Cohosh loves deep, humusy soils and plenty of organic compost.  These roots do well when planted deeply–dig a 6 inch hole, nestle the roots down in, rootlets spread out below the rhizome, bud(s) pointing straight up, then bury with bud 1 to 3 inches below soil surface, tamp in, and cover with 2 inches or more of mulch.  Regular forest mulch, rotted leaves, or coir work well.  Commercial bark mulch is not a good choice. Plant roots between 2 feet and 4 feet apart. Water once after planting, after which winter rain and snowfall will keep them sufficiently watered. The roots will overwinter under the mulch and the plant will emerge in the spring.  If during the spring and summer the planting becomes very dry (ie no rain for 2 weeks) then it is a good idea to water them.   That is all the care that is usually required. If potting up, use standard potting soil, one root per pot, 3 gallon pot or bigger. Mulch on top of the pot and place in shade garden, patio, greenhouse, etc.