Cimicifuga simplex Hillside Black Beauty

Black Beauty Black Snakeroot

(Hillside Black Beauty Japanese Black Cohosh)
A dramatic shade perennial prized for its exceptionally dark, near-black foliage and graceful, fragrant white flower spikes that rise in late summer to early fall. ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ is considered one of the darkest-leaved selections, delivering bold contrast and elegant vertical movement in woodland and shade gardens.

Size:



Width: 18–30 in



Height: 4–5 ft (in bloom)



Zones: 4a–8b

Light: Partial shade to full shade
(Morning sun with afternoon shade enhances foliage color and plant strength.)

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

Features:



Flowers: Slender, bottlebrush-like white spikes; lightly fragrant



Foliage: Very dark purple to almost black, finely divided leaves



Form: Upright, clump-forming perennial with an airy, architectural habit



Strong late-season interest for shaded landscapes



Attracts:
Pollinators, especially bees

Uses:
Woodland gardens, shade borders, mixed perennial beds, background plantings, high-contrast combinations with hosta, ferns, and heuchera

Notes:



Slow to establish but long-lived and dependable once settled



Avoid drought; mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist



Often listed botanically as Actaea simplex ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ (syn. Cimicifuga)

Plant type

Perennial

Height

4-5'

Width

18-20"

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Part shade to full shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Fall, Late Summer

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Gray

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Mass Planting, Rock Garden

Shape

Clump, irregular

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No