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Bugbane, Autumn snakeroot, black cohosh

Actaea simplex ‘Hillside Black Beauty’

ak-TAY-ah SIM-plex

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

CareProvide 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.

  • Genus : Actaea
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
  • Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant
  • Bloom Time : Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Light : Partial Shade
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
  • Uses : Shade
  • Flower Color : White

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