Cimicifuga ramosa Atropurpurea

Black Snakeroot

(Purple-leaf Black Cohosh)
A dramatic shade-loving perennial grown for its deep purple to near-black foliage and tall, airy spikes of fragrant white flowers in late summer to early fall. This cultivar adds bold contrast and vertical interest to woodland gardens and shaded borders, especially when paired with lighter foliage plants.

Size:



Width: 18–30 in



Height: 4–6 ft (in bloom)



Zones: 4a–8b

Light: Partial shade to full shade
(Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; foliage color is best with some light.)

Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soils; prefers humus-rich conditions

Features:



Flowers: Tall, bottlebrush-like white flower spikes; lightly fragrant



Foliage: Deep purple to bronze-black, finely divided leaves



Form: Upright, clump-forming perennial with strong vertical presence



Excellent late-season bloom for shaded areas



Attracts:
Pollinators, especially bees

Uses:
Woodland gardens, shade borders, mixed perennial beds, background plantings, native-style gardens

Notes:



Slow to establish but long-lived and dependable once settled



Avoid dry soils; consistent moisture is key



Commonly listed today as Actaea ramosa ‘Atropurpurea’ (syn. Cimicifuga)

Plant type

Perennial

Height

4-6'

Width

18-30"

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Part shade to full shade

Bloom time

Fall, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Loamy well-drained

Landscape use

Container, Mass Planting, Rock Garden

Shape

Clump, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No