Cimicifuga racemosa
| Scientific Name: | Cimicifuga racemosa |
| Synonym: | Actaea racemosa |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Common Name: | Black Cohosh, False Bugbane |
| Authority: | (Linneaus) Nutt. |
| Etymology: | Cimicifuga is Latin for "to drive away bugs" (hence the common name, bugbane, and racemosa refers to the inflorescence in the form of a raceme. |
| C Value: | 10 |
| Wetness: | FAC |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 3 |
| Duration: | Perennial |
| Reproduction: | Monoecious |
| Flower Type: | Perfect |
| Flower Shape: | N/A |
| Flower # of Parts: | 6+ |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Growth Habit: | Forb |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Type: | Pinnate Compound |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval (widest at middle) |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Toothed |
| Leaf Toothing: | dentate to crenate |
| Stem Surface: | Glabrous (smooth) |
| Trunk/Bark: | N/A |
| Armature: | None |
| Twig Characteristics: | |
| Habitat: | Forest |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Endangered |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | This is a large plant with a tall flowering stem that is not easily confused with anything else in Illinois. |
| Gee Whiz: | The flowers look similar to Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), the flowers have conspicuous stamens and the petals are very reduced. Now classified in the genus Actaea. |
| Humor: | |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |