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Seeds - Black Cohosh

Actaea racemosa

Minimum 50 semences par enveloppe

Sale price

Regular price $4.50
( / )
Format

Semences par gramme: 325

Année de récolte: 2024


Catégories: mellifère, menacée, médicinale, nectarifère, résiste aux cerfs, vivace,

Aire de répartition indigène: ON,

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For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a striking perennial native to the shaded woodlands of southeastern Canada. Reaching up to 2.5 metres in height, it is recognized for its dark green, finely divided foliage. From July to September, gracefully arching stems display clusters of fragrant white flowers, adding an elegant touch to shaded garden areas. This dramatic ornamental plant is particularly suited to shade gardens, where it creates a captivating visual effect. Black cohosh prefers rich, moist soil typically found in shaded forests, though it can tolerate slightly sunnier locations.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Black cohosh is highly valued in herbal medicine, particularly for its roots, which are used to alleviate menopause symptoms.

Ecological Role
Black cohosh plays an important role in Quebec's shaded forest ecosystems, offering habitat and food for various pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies. By blooming in summer, it supports the pollination of surrounding plants, thus promoting local biodiversity. Additionally, its root system helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion and enhancing soil quality. Integrating black cohosh into garden spaces supports ecosystem health and contributes to floral diversity in green areas.

Black cohosh seeds require double cold stratification to successfully germinate seedlings (two 90-day cold periods separated by a 30-day period at room temperature). If sown outdoors in the fall, they will germinate in the second spring. Otherwise, once stratified, the seeds can be planted directly outdoors in the spring. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.

Growing Notes | Seeds - Black Cohosh

The plant is established up to zone 3 but prefers zones 5 to 7. Choose a location with rich, well-drained soil, as black cohosh does not survive in waterlogged soils.

For its seeds to germinate, double stratification is necessary (2 cold periods of 90 days separated by a 30-day period at room temperature). Simply mix one volume of seeds with 3 or 4 volumes of moist vermiculite, then place the mixture in an airtight bag in the fridge for at least 60 to 90 days. The mixture should then spend 30 days at room temperature away from light before returning to the fridge for a second period of 60 to 90 days. Once stratified, the seeds can be sown directly outside in the spring.

Plant them 4 to 5 cm apart, at a depth of 5 mm in a shaded area. Cover with a layer of wood or leaf mulch, and keep moist.

Some seeds will germinate the first spring, but many will not emerge until the second spring. You can also sow them directly in place in the fall; stratification will occur naturally outdoors. Seeds that do not germinate the first spring will likely germinate the following spring.

Since it typically grows under forest cover, black cohosh prefers partial shade but can also thrive in full sun if it receives enough water. The more light it receives, the more flowers it will produce.

When the plant reaches 3 to 4 years of age, it can be harvested for its root or divided for propagation through rhizomes. Harvesting is ideally done in the fall when the leaves have begun to yellow.

Seeds per packet: 50

Family: Ranunculaceae

Scientific name: Actaea racemosa

Life cycle: Perennial

Hardiness zone: 3

Soil type:
Silty

Soil moisture level: Medium to humid

Soil - additional attributes: Well-drained, rich

Light: Shade, partial shade, sun

Blooming: July to September

Spacing: 50 cm

Height: 100 to 250 cm

Deer resistance: Moderate

Stratification: 90 days x 2

Scarification: No

Germination time: 30 to 365 days

Sowing depth: 5 mm