Species PlantsBlack Cohosh

Black Cohosh

Actaea racemosa

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black Cohosh is a tall, stately wildflower of eastern forests, producing long wands of white flowers that attract flies through a foul odor. It is one of the most commercially harvested medicinal plants in North America, used for menopausal symptom relief, leading to population declines in some areas. The seeds are dispersed by birds after ripening.

Habitat
Rich moist deciduous forest understory in eastern North America
Diet
Flowers attract flies and beetles; seeds eaten by birds
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Black Cohosh

The best time to see a Black Cohosh is June–July, when about 75% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 8,338 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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