Actaea cordifolia
Actaea cordifolia

Appalachian Bugbane

Actaea cordifolia was discovered in the early 1800s in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. It is a superb hard-to-find American native distinctive for its handsome maple-leaf-like appearance. Strong emerald-hued stems bear fragrant creamy white bottlebrush spikes that tower above a leafy clump. It produces beautiful late season blooms that pollinators love. It is deer resistance and easy care.

  • Height: 1-1.5 m (39-59 in)
  • Spread: .75- 1 m (30-39 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-9
  • Sun or Shade: partial shade
  • Bloom Time: late summer
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: white
  • Critter Resistance: deer and rabbits
  • Nature Attraction: all pollinators

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Plant in cool, moist, moderately fertile soil with added organic matter. Water regularly and deeply in dry weather. All parts of this plant are poisonous and should not be ingested.