Cimicifuga is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, comprising about 12-18 species. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its common names are Bugbane and Cohosh. The genus name Cimicifuga means bedbug repeller.
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohost, Black Bugbane, Black Snakeroot, Fairy Candle), 25-60 cm tall, is a herbaceous perennial plants native to eastern North America . The plant grows from underground rhizome, produces large, dark green, ferny leaves, and are good for back of the borders. The basal leaves, up to 1 m long and broad, form repeated sets of three leaflets with a coarsely toothed margin. In late spring and early summer, flowers are borne on a tall stem, 75-250 cm tall, forming a racemes of up to 50 cm long. The tight clusters of 55-110 white flowers have no petals or sepals, only long stamens, 5-10 mm long surrounding a white stigma. The unpleasantly scented flowers attract flies, gnats, and beetles. The fruit is a one-carpel dry follicle, 5-10 mm long, containing several seeds.
Cimicifuga simplex, 1.2 m x 60 cm high and across, produces pale green to purplish leaves. In autumn, racemes of white flowers are borne on the flowering stem. It is a good plant for woodland garden. There are several attractive cultivars. 'Atropurpurea' has leaves that are dark maroon with bright green underside. Large spikes of scented white flowers are borne on erect purple-green stems. 'Brunette' has dark brown purple leaves, purplish flowering stems, and racemes of purple tinged white flowers.
Cimicifuga is suitable for bog gardens, and prefers partial shade, fertile, and moisture-retentive soil. Propagation is by divide in spring. Cimicifuga is hardy and trouble free plant.
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