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Actaea simplex ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ (Bugbane, Autumn snakeroot, black cohosh)

Actaea simplex ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ Photo/Illustration: Bill Johnson


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Actaea simplex ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ ak-TAY-ah SIM-plex Common Name: Bugbane, Autumn snakeroot, black cohosh 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.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Part Shade Only;Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Attracts Butterflies; Fragrant Flowers; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Fall; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Style Shade, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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