Actaea elata var. alpestris – Oregon tall bugbane

Description Oregon tall bugbane is an uncommon, bold and robust perennial wildflower that grows in moist woodlands and forests in southwest Oregon. It grows at lower elevations along shady streams in mixed conifer forests, and in Douglas fir forests at mid elevations, mainly on north-facing slopes. This species can grow in a closed canopy forest, but with scattered openings and a high canopy (i.e. old forests) that allows for some dappled light in the understory. A member of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) plant family, Oregon tall bugbane has coarsely divided, maple-like compound leaves and tall 3-4′ flowering stems topped with a long panicle of many tiny white flowers with cream-colored stamens. Oregon tall bugbane blooms June-July depending on elevation. This species is of conservation concern and is threatened by logging, road building and off-road vehicles. The common name bugbane refers to the thought that this species is repellent to lice and other insects. Bumblebees, solitary bees, beetles, syrphid flies are known pollinators of Oregon tall bugbane. Oregon tall bugbane (Actaea elata var. alpestris) seed packets contain approximately 70 seeds per packet. Seed Germination Instructions Warm-moist stratification (60°-80°F) for 2 weeks followed by cold-moist stratification (30°-40°F) for 3 months. For more information about growing native plants from seed, please read through the information in our Seed Germination and Propagation Reference Guide.