Actaea racemosa (
black cohosh,
black bugbane,
black snakeroot,
fairy candle;
syn. Cimicifuga racemosa) is a
species of
flowering plant of the
family Ranunculaceae. It is
native to eastern North America from the extreme south of Ontario to central Georgia, and west to Missouri and Arkansas. It grows in a variety of woodland habitats, and is often found in small woodland openings. The
roots and
rhizomes have long been used medicinally by
Native Americans. Extracts from these plant materials are thought to possess
analgesic,
sedative, and
anti-inflammatory properties.