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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Cimicifuga racemosa var. cordifolia

heart-shaped-leaved actaea

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial about 1.5m high with dark green leaves to 60cm long with broadly obovate leaflets 12-20cm long, lobed, and heart-shaped at the base. Branched, sometimes curved racemes, to 60cm long, of creamy white flowers, each 1cm long, in summer

Synonyms
Cimicifuga racemosa var. cordifolia
Cimicifuga cordifolia (DC.) Torrey & A.Gray
see moreCimicifuga rubifolia
Actaea racemosa var. cordifolia
Actaea rubifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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

Plant range
E & SE USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in cool, moist, humus-rich, preferably neutral or slightly acidic soil in partial shade, for example in a woodland garden or shaded herbaceous or mixed bed

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown when ripe in containers in a cold frame or in a nursery bed in autumn, or by division in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.