Cimicifuga racemosa
Perennial

USDA Zones: 3 - 8
Light: partial - full shade
Height:  2 to 6 feet
Width:  3 feet
Flower Colors: creamy white
Bloom Time: late summer - fall
Special Features:
Fall Color
Flowers
Tolerates Wet Soil
Companion Plants:
Astilbe

Despite its unpleasant common names -- bugbane and black cohosh -- cimicifuga is a great plant for wet, shady spots. It sends up frothy white wisps of flowers for several weeks in late summer or early fall. The mini fan-like leaves are attractive all season long and the plant can hit up to 6 feet, depending on the cultivar. Except for its water needs, it's very low-maintenance.

Notable Varieties
'The Pearl' is widely available with 2-foot-long dense spires atop 2- to 3-foot plants.

Care
Ample, constant moisture is critical. This is an ideal plant for chronically wet low spots or alongside a stream or pond. Acidic soil preferred.

Planting
Plant established plants in spring, working plenty of compost into the soil. Space up to 3 feet apart, depending on the cultivar (check the label).