Actaea Elata

Description

Beautiful spray like clusters of showy white flowers form conspicuous, long, bottlebrush-looking flower heads, very late in the year when most other flowers have long-gone. Found in north western USA and western coast of Canada it has many medicinal and other properties, for example it is reputed to repels insects, hence its name "Bugbane". Unlike other members of the genus Actaea most of which bear berries, the few seeds are produced in green pods, resembling those of aconitums.

Sowing Advice

For best results, sow seeds as soon as you receive them onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. These seeds can be very slow indeed to germinate, and may wait for spring before emerging whenever sown. Do not use artificial heat to try to germinate them as it will simply disrupt their germination mechanism. Please be very patient, and do not discard the seed pan.

Key Facts