Tall Bugbane
Actaea elata
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Wikimedia: Alex Abair (www.inaturalist.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Actaea
- Species:
- Actaea elata
- USDA Symbol:
- ACEL4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; germination may be slow and erratic.
Pre-treatment: Two weeks exposure to warm temperatures followed by 90 days of cool/moist stratification.
Establishment: This plant is commonly found in Oregon, Washington and the western portion of Canada.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Seedlings must be grown at less than 20° and can overwinter at -20°, prick out while small, seed is viable for at least 6m