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AHPA ERB Foundation supports research to improve black cohosh germination and seedling vigor
May 5, 2026
The American Herbal Products Association Foundation for Education and Research on Botanicals (AHPA ERB Foundation) is pleased to announce its support for Improving Germination and Seedling Vigor of Black Cohosh, a multi-year project aimed at supporting commercial-scale production of this native forest herb.
Led by Jeanine Davis, Ph.D., and Margaret Bloomquist of North Carolina State University, the research will focus on establishing best practices for seed germination and seedling management.
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a commercially important botanical primarily sourced from the wild. Growing market demand has led to increased pressure on natural populations, prompting herbal product manufacturers to seek consistent, cultivated, and often certified organic alternatives. However, the development of forest-farmed black cohosh has been hindered by a lack of high-quality, affordable nursery stock and unpredictable seed germination rates.
Slated to run through 2029, this project seeks to solve these supply chain challenges by making production from seed more efficient and reliable. By reducing the industry's reliance on wild-harvested roots for propagation, the research team aims to decrease production costs, improve the uniformity of planting stock, and safeguard wild populations. The study will include identification and constituent testing, including DNA analysis at the seed and seedling stages, and phytochemical fingerprinting to ensure quality and authenticity.
The results of this research will be disseminated to industry stakeholders to empower forest farmers and nurseries with the tools needed to scale sustainable cultivation. This work is essential for ensuring the long-term availability of black cohosh while maintaining the integrity of the herbal products market.
This research was made possible by the early and generous support of Mountain Rose Herbs, Mueggenburg USA, and Vitality Works. Through their foundational contributions to this project and their ongoing backing of many other ERB initiatives, these industry leaders consistently demonstrate an exemplary commitment to botanical stewardship and the success of the herbal community.
Support Black Cohosh Research
The AHPA ERB Foundation invites those who deal in or have an interest in the sustainability of black cohosh to contribute to this important work with a tax-deductible donation today. Your contribution directly supports the research to help secure the future of this botanical.
