Actaea podocarpa
American bugbane
A clump-forming perennial up to 2.5m in height, with pinnately divided dark green leaves and slender, branched racemes of pink-tinged white flowers from late summer to early autumn
Other common names
summer cohosh
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink White | Green | Brown | |
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Actaea are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with compound leaves and small creamy-white flowers in short, erect, simple or branched terminal racemes, followed either by poisonous red, black or white berries, or by star-shaped clustered brown follicles
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cool, moist, moderately fertile soil, enriched with organic matter. Water thoroughly in dry weather.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering or fruiting
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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