Cimicifuga (bugbane or cohosh) is a genus of between 12-18 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The genus is closely related to Actaea, and many botanists include it in that genus; if included, the number of species in Actaea rises from 8 to 20-26. The name Cimicifuga means 'bedbug repeller'. Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, of which 'Brunette' (Atropurpurea Group) has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.