Black cohosh

Actaea racemosa

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

none named by our sources

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

NC State's page for this plant has no toxicity information; ASPCA's page was not part of this check. Not listed means no verdict was found, not that it's safe. Keep pets from eating it and call a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line if a pet seems unwell.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 3a to 8b (NC State Extension)
Light: Partial to full shade; NC State says it ideally gets 2 to 3 hours of morning sun and may fail to flower if light is too limited. Its cultural-conditions list gives dappled sunlight, deep shade and partial shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 4 to 7 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide (NC State Extension)
Family: Ranunculaceae (NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox)
Where it comes from: Eastern North America, woodland settings from Maine south to Georgia and west to Missouri and Arkansas; NC State's distribution list includes Ontario and Quebec.