Cimicifuga simplex ‘Brunette’ – Autumn Snakeroot – Kamchatka Bugbane – Bugbane – Cohosh –

Description

Cimicifuga – Bugbane – Cohosh – There are about 18 species of erect, clump forming perennials, in this genus. They occur in cooler areas of Northern region, usually found in moist, shady grassland, woodland, or scrub. They have compound, alternate, ternate, to 3 ternate toothed leaflets. The small, numerous, white or cream flowers, occasionally pink tinged, and usually to 3/4″ long, have 2-5 small petals and prominent tufts of stamens. They are crowded together in slender, bottle brush like racemes or panicles, which are followed by greenish white, then brown, star shaped follicles. Some are unpleasantly scented. They are suitable for a moist border or woodland. Grow in moist, fertile, preferably humus rich soil in partial shade. Provide support. Divide in spring. Prone to rust, and tarnish plant bug. C. simplex ‘Brunette’ – Autumn Snakeroot – Kamchatka Bugbane – This clump forming perennial grows 3-4′ feet tall and 2′ feet wide. From purple stems it produces 3 ternate, very dark, brownish purple foliage, basal leaves, 12-30″ long, composed of numerous ovate to rounded, irregularly lobed leaflets. In early and mid autumn, atop of unbranched, or occasionally branched, often arching stems carry compact racemes, to 8″ long of purple tinted off white flowers, 3/4″ long. Zones 4-9