Actaea cordifolia

(aka: Cimicifuga rubifolia) This wonderful rare native (globally rare ranking of G3) from Virginia west to Tennessee has languished in taxonomic purgatory under a parade of invalid names. Unlike other bugbanes, there are only nine glossy leaflets per leaf on Actaea cordifolia, which are held on a 45 degree angled stem ending about 2' from the ground. The 4' tall, upright, branched terminal spikes end in finger-like clusters of small white flowers that top the plant in September. Although Actaea cordifolia prefers alkaline soils, it has grown well in our slightly acid amended woodland soil.

Watch our Plant Spotlight video for more information.