Sustainable Landscaping with Native Plants

Cimicifuga ramosa – Black Bugbane

Commonly named Black Bugbane, “Cimicifuga ramosa” is an early fall blooming perennial and a must have for any colorful and fragrant garden.

Native to Eastern North America, this plant is low maintenance and
easy to grow in part shade to full shade. This perennial favors sandy and clay-like soils, that are also organically rich and moisture retentive. If soil is left too dry, leaves will scorch and plant growth will slow down. This plant is slow to grow as it is, and will take about 3 years until clumps are fully mature.

During bloom in the fall, the fragrant pink and white flowers sprout, adding great pale undertones to any fall garden. It’s foliage is a rich, dark purple, and is resistant to deer and rabbit. The common name, ‘bugbane’ is a reference to the insect repelling properties of the plant.

Black Bugbane has been used for many years for all sorts of remedies. Native Americans believed the root of the plant could treat musculoskeletal pain, fever, cough, pneumonia, sluggish labor, and menstrual irregularities, while European settlers used black cohosh as a tonic to support women’s reproductive health. It is still used today to help with hot flashes, night sweats, and many other menopause symptoms, if you want to read more about the modern medical uses of black bugbane, click here.