Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 228Dmedicinal · edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOeditorially reviewedreviewed 21 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Aristolochiaceae

Cimicifuga simplex

Cimicifuga simplexfam. Aristolochiaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
medicinaledibleperennialedibleedible leafmedicinalperennialshade tolerant
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Cimicifuga simplex (Cimicifuga simplex) — botanical photograph
Pl. 228D — Cimicifuga simplex
Cimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplexCimicifuga simplex
I

Overview

Cimicifuga simplex, commonly known as black snakeroot or bugbane, is a perennial plant native to regions in East Asia including Amur, China, Japan, and Korea. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun to shade and can tolerate various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay. Hardy in zones 4-8, Cimicifuga simplex can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves, it has been used in traditional cuisine as a condiment. The distinctive feature of this plant is the white or pale pink flowers that form a tall, upright spike, making it an ornamental addition to gardens. While primarily used for its culinary and ornamental value, Cimicifuga simplex has also been used medicinally throughout its native range. However, caution should be exercised when handling any plant intended for medicinal use, as safety claims and specific dosages are not supported by this data.

Quick answers

What is Cimicifuga simplex?

Cimicifuga simplex, commonly known as black snakeroot or bugbane, is a perennial plant native to regions in East Asia including Amur, China, Japan, and Korea. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun to shade and can tolerate various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay.

Compare with:Cimicifuga dahurica→American Valerian→Salsify→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Stress Relief
stress
tincture
Historically used for stress relief.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Cimicifuga simplex thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. For propagation, use division or seed sowing. Harvest the leaves for culinary use.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Cimicifuga simplex for the first time

7steps

Start with Cimicifuga simplex as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers with light to medium soil.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mulch around the plant to retain moisture.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial sun to shade, water when the top inch of soil dries out, and divide every 3-5 years.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead foliage in early spring to encourage new growth.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

15 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 15 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Amur, Chita, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Primorye, Sakhalin
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Cimicifuga simplex (Cimicifuga simplex) — botanical photograph
Cimicifuga simplex (Cimicifuga simplex)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 228dc52e-ee49-4146-8e6e-e3fa7cd7785f
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes