Black Cohosh is native in most counties in Virginia, and is a member of the Ranunculaceae family also known as the Buttercup family. It prefers part shade and medium to moist soil conditions. Black Cohosh occurs at both high and low elevations in the Ridge and Valley region and is found most often in base rich soils high in organic matter. Soil must be well drained. Native American Medicinal plant, and host plant for several butterflies.
 
Seeds must be treated to a cycle of warm (70 deg) for about 2 weeks, then cold (40 deg) for about 3 months. This can be achieved when seeds are sown outside as soon as they are mature. Alternately, seeds can be sown in flats or containers and treated with the same regimen. Plant ¼” deep in prepared seedbed. Some seed may not germinate until the second spring.