Black Cohosh, Bugbane, Snakeroot
(Actaea racemosa
formerly Cimicifuga
racemosa)
Cohosh is Algonquin name or term applied to these plants that in Indian
folklore had many medicinal applications.
Bugbane, snakeroot and the Latin “cimex” (bug) and ”fugo”
(to drive away”*) confirm that generations on the other side of the
Atlantic also regarded this genus very highly, too.
And even in our world today, a web search for “cohosh” turns up offers
for extracts, dietary supplements and other preparations based on the
plant.
Are you curious about the name change? Here's a botanist's reading:
"Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt., was returned to the genus Actaea L.,
and the current accepted nomenclature is Actaea racemosa L. Citation for
this decision can be found in Compton JA et al, Taxon 1998, 47,
593-634".
The citation referred to indicates that the change was based on DNA
sequence variation. The L. stands for Linnaeus, who originally named the
genus. Nutt. Refers to Thomas Nuttall, an English botanist who traveled
the US in the early 1800's
Text Provided by: Glenn P., Arboretum Volunteer
Photo by: Angela B., Arboretum Staff
