Actaea cordifolia

Native to the Eastern US, this deciduous, clump-forming perennial is rarely seen in the UK, but is a handsome addition to shady or woodland sites. Happiest in neutral to acidic soils, it will cope with more alkaline conditions if kept moist and sheltered. The leaves are deep green and maple-like in appearance. They make a handsome basal mass while the narrow stems reach up over the foliage and are topped with creamy, highly scented bottle brush flowers in late summer and autumn.

Much visited by all types of pollinators, these statuesque plants are an attractive way to prolong the season of interest in woodland or dappled shady gardens. Hardy to -20C, ensure your soil has plenty of well-rotted organic matter and the plants are placed away from the wind to intensify the fragrance and prevent the foliage from drying out.

Wear gloves when handling because all parts of the plant are poisonous. These plants can also produce berries that can be black, red or white.

Height x Spread: 150cm x 50cm