Bugbane, Autumn snakeroot, black cohosh (Actaea simplex ‘Hillside Black Beauty’) ak-TAY-ah SIM-plex Genus:  Actaea Unlike other bugbanes, 'Hillside Black Beauty' offers deep purple-black foliage. From late spring to late summer, its dark hue makes a wonderful backdrop for colorful foliage and flowering shade plants. In fall, fragrant, cream-colored flowers appear on tall, wandlike stems. An added plus: this plant is deer resistant. --Michael Ruggiero, Regional Picks: Mid-Atlantic, Fine Gardening issue #127 Care:  Provide moist, fertile soil rich in organic matter in partial shade. Propagation:   Sow seed in containers in autumn. Divide plants in early spring. Problems:   Leaf spot, leaf smut, rust.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Part Shade Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color White Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders Style Shade, Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Fall Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Perennials