In late summer, this hardy perennial has long racemes of pendulous, fragrant, white flowers that contrast with its dark, purplish foliage. This is a hybrid of the Asian species Actaea simplex and the American Actaea racemosa from a cross made in the Netherlands by Piet Oudolf. It can reach a height of 5 feet with a 2-foot spread when established (second year) and prefers moist, humus-rich soils in partial shade. If it is planted in full sun, it will need constant moisture.

There are over 25 different species of bugbane or Actaea,
spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. They're generally woodland
plants, happiest in dappled shade and cool, consistently moist soil.
Most form mounds of toothed leaves and then in mid-summer send up spikes
of tightly packed flowers, often followed by conspicuous berries. NOTE:
Berries are poisonous to people and rabbits; harmless to birds and
butterflies..