Black Cohosh Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'James Compton'
ABOUT
Actaea simplex 'James Compton', commonly known as black snakeroot or bugbane, is an ornamental perennial that is highly admired for its distinctive foliage and floral display. The plant features a clump of deeply cut, serrated leaves that are an attractive dark purple-black color, providing a dramatic contrast in the garden. These leaves are elegantly divided, adding a fine texture and a touch of sophistication to the foliage. In late summer to early fall, 'James Compton' sends up tall, slender spikes above its dark leaves that bear numerous small, creamy-white or slightly pink-tinged flowers. These flowers are densely packed in elongated, bottlebrush-like spires that elegantly rise above the foliage. The blooms possess a strong, sweet fragrance that can enchant the garden air, especially during the evening. Adding to its alluring traits, the flowers of black snakeroot attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which find them irresistible. After the blooming period, the flower spikes turn brown and remain attractive in the landscape, offering extended visual interest. With its polished appearance, 'James Compton' adds a mysterious and enchanting vibe to shaded garden areas, due to its deep-colored foliage and outstanding blooms. Its contrasting color palette and vertical lines make it a favorite among gardeners who wish to add a vertical element and a touch of drama to their plantings without focusing on the specific size of the plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Bugbane, Fairy Candle, Black Cohosh, Black Snakeroot, Cohosh Bugbane.
Common names
Cimicifuga simplex (DC.) Wormsk. ex Turcz.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Baneberry is potentially toxic to humans. All parts of the Baneberry plant contain toxic compounds, primarily in the form of glycosides and alkaloids. Ingestion can lead to a variety of symptoms including dizziness, stomach cramps, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. Severe poisoning can even lead to cardiac arrest and respiratory failure, which can be fatal. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of this plant and to seek medical attention immediately if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
The Baneberry plant is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to its effects in humans, all parts of the Baneberry plant are poisonous due to the presence of glycosides and alkaloids. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and seizures. Heart rhythm abnormalities can occur and, in extreme cases, ingestion can lead to death. Immediate veterinary care should be sought if a pet has ingested any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Dark purple
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: 'James Compton' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its tall, bottlebrush-like spikes of creamy white flowers and purplish-black foliage.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers are a nectar source for bees and butterflies, providing food for these beneficial pollinators.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in partial shade conditions, making it suitable for woodland gardens and shaded areas.
- Seasonal Interest: Its striking foliage provides a dramatic backdrop in spring and summer, with flowers blooming in late summer to early autumn for extended garden interest.
- Easy Maintenance: Once established, 'James Compton' is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond occasional watering and pruning.
- Drought Resistance: This plant has good tolerance to dry conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with less frequent watering.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The foliage is typically unpalatable to deer and rabbits, helping to reduce damage from these herbivores.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The dark foliage of the bugbane can be used to extract a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of purple to blue hues.
- Photography: Photographers may utilize bugbane in their compositions for its dramatic foliage and spire-like flowers, adding depth and interest to garden photography.
- Seasonal crafts: The seed heads and dried flower spikes of bugbane can be incorporated into autumnal wreaths and other fall-themed decorations.
- Education: Botany students can study bugbane as an example of plant morphology and reproductive strategies within the Ranunculaceae family.
- Culinary garnish: Although not edible, the flowers of bugbane could be used temporarily as a decorative garnish for plating in high-end culinary presentations.
- Insect interest: Bugbane can be used to create a habitat garden, attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies that are drawn to its flowers.
- Backdrops in gardens: The tall and dark foliage can serve as a contrasting backdrop for highlighting lighter-colored plants in a garden setting.
- Soundscaping: The dense clumps of bugbane can be planted as acoustic barriers in gardens to muffle noise from the surrounding environment.
- Textile inspiration: The striking appearance of bugbane provides a source of inspiration for textile designs, including patterns for fabric, wallpaper, and various home goods.
- Frost art: In regions with cold winters, the frosted seed heads of bugbane offer a unique visual for gardeners, capturing the essence of the season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Actaea simplex is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Actaea simplex is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mysterious allure: The dark purple to almost black foliage of 'James Compton' signifies a sense of mystery and exotic appeal, often linked to the plant's dramatic appearance.
- Protection: Historically, some species of Actaea were thought to offer protection against negative forces and were used in various herbal and folk traditions for this purpose.
- Feminine power: Also known as baneberry, these plants are sometimes associated with feminine strength and the presence of female deities in mythology and folklore, due to their toxicity and historical medicinal use related to women's ailments.
- Hidden dangers: The enticing berries of baneberry plants are toxic, which symbolizes the idea that something beautiful can also hold hidden dangers or be deceptive.
- Caution and respect for nature: The toxicity of this plant symbolizes the need for caution and respect when interacting with nature and its diverse array of flora.
WaterThe Baneberry 'James Compton' prefers consistently moist soil, so regular watering is important. Water thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions—more frequently during dry spells and less during rainy periods. The goal is to maintain an even level of moisture without waterlogging the soil. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation. It is best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root development rather than light, frequent waterings.
LightBaneberry 'James Compton' thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is where it will receive filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sunlight as it may scorch the leaves and stress the plant.
TemperatureBaneberry 'James Compton' does well in a range of temperatures but prefers cooler climates. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around -30 degrees Fahrenheit, but generally thrives between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing this plant in areas where the temperature frequently exceeds 75 degrees Fahrenheit as it can lead to stress and poor performance.
PruningPrune Baneberry 'James Compton' to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain shape. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is typically only needed once a year, and deadheading spent flowers can encourage a tidier appearance but is not essential for the health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBugbane 'James Compton' thrives in a well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix containing loamy soil, compost, and some sand or perlite to improve drainage would be ideal. This perennial prefers a soil pH of 6 to 7.
RepottingThe bugbane 'James Compton' doesn't need frequent repotting and can usually be left undisturbed for several years. It is typically repotted or divided every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and to control its spread.
Humidity & MistingBugbane 'James Compton' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but grows best in a moderately humid environment, typical of its natural woodland habitat. No specific humidity level is required as long as the soil moisture is maintained appropriately.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide shade, moist soil, cool temps.
Outdoor
Part shade, moist soil, mulch, protect roots.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleActaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) 'James Compton', commonly known as Baneberry or Bugbane, begins its life as a seed which germinates in early spring under appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedling develops into a clump-forming perennial with a robust root system. As the plant matures, it produces compound leaves that are deeply cut, typically with a dark purple hue. Throughout summer, tall flower spikes emerge, bearing numerous small, creamy-white flowers that are noted for their strong and sweet fragrance, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the plant may produce small, inedible berries that are typically not a significant feature of this variety. In autumn, the foliage dies back, and the plant enters dormancy over the winter months, resuming growth again when the conditions are favorable in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Propogation: The Actaea simplex 'James Compton', commonly known as Black Cohosh or Bugbane, is generally propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy, which typically occurs when the soil temperatures reach about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). To propagate, carefully dig around the plant to lift the root clump from the ground, using a sharp spade or knife to divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a few growth buds or shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before and water them thoroughly. This method allows the gardeners to create new plants that will be genetically identical to the parent and typically results in robust growth since the divisions are taken from mature plants.
