Both culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum) and black snakeroot (Actaea racemosa) are blooming now. Culver's root is more bush-like with flowers born closer to whorled foliage that seems to emanate from the stalk; while black snakeroot — also called bugbane, fairy candles, or black cohosh — bears its flowers on long, mostly bare, stalks high above a mass of compound tripinnate leaves. The flowers look similar, but both the foliage and habit are quite different. Also different are their light requirements: culver's root prefers more sun, while black snakeroot prefers more shade.
Both are native to the eastern United States.
Culver's root on the left and black snakeroot on the right. Both specimens were photographed near the Hudson River Greenway, above the clay tennis courts at 97th Street.