Actaea racemosa is also known as black cohosh or black snakeroot. Its a plant native to Eastern parts of North America where it grows in woodland. Its a small plant with large, toothed leaves. The flowers are quite unusual. They grow in clusters on tall spikes and have no petals, just clusters of white stigmas and stamen. Native Americans used the roots for medicinal purposes. Its commonly used today as a remedy for the symptoms of menopause. The flowers have a sweet, rather sickly and unpleasant smell that attracts flies and beetles. It grows best in moist, heavy soil.