Biology:Actaea rubifolia

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Short description: Species of buttercup

Actaea rubifolia
Appalachian-black-cohosh.jpg

Vulnerable (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Actaea
Species:
A. rubifolia
Binomial name
Actaea rubifolia
(Kearney) Kartesz
Synonyms
  • Cimicifuga rubifolia Kearney

Actaea rubifolia, commonly known as Appalachian black cohosh or Appalachian bugbane, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family. The plant does well in alkaline soils[2] and mature forests.[1] The "bugbane" in the name refers to the unpleasantness of its flowers' smell repelling insects. It is poisonous if consumed by humans.[3]

The plant produces flowers in the early fall from August to October,[1] and is distinctly identifiable by its large stamens and reduced white petals.[4]

The species is vulnerable to extinction; small populations exist in Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, and the lower Ohio River Valley.[3]

Both Actaea rubifolia and Actaea podocarpa bear resemblance to black cohosh, which, due to its vasodilation properties, is valuable for the treatment of menopause symptoms; harvesters of black cohosh sometimes mistake A. podocarpa for black cohosh, accidentally harvesting it.[5]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q17812829 entry