Actaea: Bugbane
Native from British Columbia to western Oregon, bugbane is considered rare and endangered in the wild.
Plant care & info
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Actaea / Cimicifuga
Common Name: Bugbane. The plant is virtually pest-free and can be used as a bug repellant.
Southern British Columbia through western Oregon, usually at low to medium elevation (uncommon).
Tall, graceful mound of foliage with toothed leaves similar to Japanese Maple. Flowering stems with bottlebrush clusters of small white to pinkish, fragrant flowers grow above foliage in mid-to late-summer, reaching up to 6′ in height. Flowers are followed by flat seed pods that are highly toxic to mammals, including humans.
Grows best in part sun / shade, humus-rich soil and regular water. Best sited in a dappled-sun, moist area of the garden.
Generally not bothered by pests or disease.
While not toxic to birds, the seeds (and possibly all parts of this plant) are highly toxic to mammals, including humans.
Planting this woodland beauty in your garden will help to restore and repopulate this important native plant. It also provides sustenance to several butterfly species, while attracting bees and other beneficial insects.
This plant requires little care. Give it humus-rich soil and ample water, and it will be happy! If left undisturbed, it will self-seed and create a striking display in the latter part of the summer, when the spring flowers have long-since faded and disappeared.
Find Natives for your garden
We offer a great selection of Northwest Natives from spring through fall. The plants featured are highlighted favorites, but they do not represent ALL of the plants we carry. For a more complete list, see our Northwest Native Plant List.
