Black Cohosh is a herbaceous perennial plant with basal leaves that are up to 1 m (39 in) long and broad, tripinnately compound, the leaflets with a coarsely toothed margin. It also produces compound leaves from an underground rhizome, growing 0.25-0.6 m (7-18 in) tall.

Flowers are produced in late spring to early summer on tall stems, 0.75-2.5 m (2.5-8ft) tall in racemes up to 50 cm (20 in) long. Black Cohosh has no petals or sepals, but rather only a tight cluster of 55-110 white stamens 5-10 mm long that surround the white stigma. The flowers produce a very district and sweet smell.

Uses

Black Cohosh has been used as a herbal compound or dietary supplement marketed to women as a remedy forpremenstrual tension, menopause, and other gynecological problems. However, many studies cast a doubt on the effectiveness of this, especially when similar results can be obtained using a placebo.

The drying seed heads appear handsomefor many weeks. Wherever summer heat and drought do not make it die, its burgundy, deeply cut leaves add an interesting arrangement in gardens.

It is reported that both the growing and dried plant can be used to repel bugs and fleas.