Bugbane, Cimicifuga Simplex, Cimicifuga racemosa, Kamchatka Bugbane
Fabulous at adding architectural height and late summer blooms to a shaded border, Actaea Simplex (Bugbane), formerly known as Cimicifuga Simplex, is very eye-catching with its long, fluffy spires.
Actaea simplex, also known as Bugbane or Baneberry, is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial native to Russia, western China, Manchuria, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. It’s primarily known for its striking foliage and fragrant late-season blooms.
Habit and Size: Bugbane grows in clumps, displaying an upright, bushy habit. It can reach heights of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters), adding a dramatic vertical element to gardens.
Flowers: The plant produces tall, wand-like spires, 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long, packed with white, strongly fragrant, tiny flowers. These blossoms, which resemble fluffy bottlebrushes, offer a sweet perfume that attracts various pollinators.
Foliage: The plant’s foliage is also of interest, with finely divided leaves that can appear almost black in some cultivars. The dark leaves provide a stunning contrast to the bright white flowers.
Blooming Season: The flowering period is from late summer to early fall.
Hardiness: It’s hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Uses: This plant is often used in woodland gardens, borders, and naturalistic plantings. Its dramatic height makes it an excellent backdrop plant.
Pollinators: The fragrant flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects.
Toxicity: Actaea simplex is toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation on contact.
Deer and Rabbit: It is considered both deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant due to its toxicity.
Drought: Once established, Actaea simplex can tolerate short periods of drought.
Invasiveness: It’s not considered invasive, but it may self-seed in optimal conditions.
Key Facts: One of the plant’s unique characteristics is its late-season blooming and fragrant flowers, which provide interest when many other perennials have finished blooming. Moreover, its contrasting dark foliage and light flowers make it an eye-catching addition to any garden. Its tolerance of shade makes it a valuable choice for those darker spots in the landscape.
Bugbane is a fantastic addition to any garden for several reasons:
Late-Season Interest: It provides beautiful, fragrant blossoms in late summer and early fall, a time when many other perennials have finished blooming. This ensures a continued point of interest in your garden.
Striking Foliage: The plant’s deeply cut, dark, almost black leaves provide a stunning contrast to the surrounding greenery and its own bright white flowers. This contrast can add a dramatic effect to your garden design.
Shade Tolerance: Black Cohosh thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for those areas of your garden that get little direct sunlight. This characteristic makes it a valuable asset in a woodland garden or a shady border.
Pollinators: The fragrant flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. By adding Bugbane to your garden, you’ll be providing a late-season food source for these beneficial creatures, contributing to the local ecosystem.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Due to its toxicity, the plant is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, two common garden pests. This can save you from the disappointment of finding your plants eaten by these animals.
Low Maintenance: Once established, Blugbane is relatively low maintenance.
Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Genus | Actaea |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Summer (Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees, Birds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
Botanik Foto
Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Genus | Actaea |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Summer (Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees, Birds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!