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Description
Actaea simplex Black Negligee, also known as Black Bugbane, is a beautiful perennial plant with its striking black foliage, white flowers, and unique characteristics. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to East Asia. It is a clump-forming perennial with a height of 2-3 feet and a spread of 1-2 feet. The plant produces upright stems with deeply divided, dark purple-black leaves that give it its unique appearance. In late summer and early fall, the plant blooms with white, bottlebrush-like flowers that are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Actaea |
Appearance
The Actaea Simplex Black Negligee has unique, deeply divided, dark purple-black leaves that give it a striking appearance. The leaves are large, growing up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. The plant produces upright stems that grow up to 3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. In late summer and early fall, the plant blooms with white, bottlebrush-like flowers that are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers grow on long, upright stalks and can reach up to 2 feet tall.
Care Guide
The Actaea Simplex Black Negligee is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your plant:
- Water: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if you want to encourage growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Actaea Simplex Black Negligee is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to slugs and snails. To prevent damage from these pests, you can use slug bait or copper strips around the base of the plant. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
The Actaea Simplex Black Negligee is native to East Asia and can be found in wooded areas and along streams and rivers. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Actaea Simplex Black Negligee poisonous?
A: Yes, the plant is poisonous if ingested.
Q: Does the plant require pruning?
A: The plant does not require pruning, but you can remove dead or damaged leaves and stems as needed.
Q: Can the plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does the plant attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Actaea Pachypoda
- Actaea Racemosa
- Actaea Rubifolia
- Actaea Spicata
References
- “Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f810.
- “Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/191013/Actaea-simplex-Black-Negligee/Details.
- “Actaea simplex ‘Black Negligee’.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/actaea-simplex-black-negligee.
