CIMICIFUGA racemosa is one of the more unusual perennials in my gardens. It has many common names- 'Bugbane' (referring to it's odoriferous insect repellent properties), 'Black Snakeroot' (referring to it's use as treatment for snakebite), 'Fairy Candle' (in reference to it's flower), and 'Black Cohosh' (Native American word for 'rough' referring to the texture and color of the root, which was used medicinally).

While advertised as the perfect plant for adding big time drama to the summer shade garden I grow it in two beds at my place- one lightly shaded, one in full sun and they are equally impressive. CIMICIFUGA bears fluffy white, candle-like flowers on long wiry spires that reach 8 feet tall. Even when not in bloom, its low-growing, fine-textured foliage adds interest.

Pictured here is a variety known as 'Black Beauty' that actually has an almost purple-black foliage. While the foliage is exceptional it is the tall fragrant white flower spikes that I typically photograph. The unusual flowers (w/o stamen, pistil or seed) grow in a circular pattern along the last foot or two of the 8' spire.....they quite literally EXPLODE on the end of their statuesque spikes....one of the most striking of the 'big guys' at my place.