A tall, clump-forming, aromatic perennial, with a rather unpleasant smell. But it makes an attractive plant for the border with spires of creamy-white, bottle-brush flowers, rising to 1.5 m (5 ft.) above the three-lobed basal leaves (40 cm (16 in) high).
History and traditions
The root of this herb was used in the medicine of Native Americans for female complaints and it was thought to be an antidote to poison and to rattlesnake venom. Hence two of its popular names, “squaw root” (shared with blue cohosh) and “black snakeroot”, after the color of the rhizome and to distinguish it from another plant known as “snakeroot” (Aristolochia serpentaria). The generic name is from the Latin cimex, a bug, and fugere, to run, in reference to its insect-repellent properties. This genus is sometimes classified as Actaea.
Growth
Fully hardy, it requires moist, fertile soil with plenty of humus and partial shade. It can be propagated by division of roots or by seed, sown in pots in autumn for overwintering in a cold frame for germination the following spring.
Uses
Medicinal
For arthritis, rheumatism and menstrual and menopausal problems.
