Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Fruit: Blue

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , NS , ON
Native Distribution: N.B. to s.e. Man., s. to New England, SC mts., TN & AR
Native Habitat: Deciduous & mixed woods

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Rich, moist, well-drained soils
Conditions Comments: A heavy wintercoat of mixed leaves should be left on plant in the spring.

Benefit

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is valued for its attractive bluish -green foliage and ornamental, navy blue fruit. It is a refined plant, 1-3’ tall with stems originating from a branching rhizome and thrice-compound foliage comprised of lobed leaflets. The flowers are small, greenish yellow and develop into attractive indigo blueberry-like fruits arranged in clusters. These persist and provide early autumn interest even after the foliage has declined. Plant in rich, moist, well-drained acidic to neutral soil in light shade. 

Warning: The berries, roots and leaves of this plant may cause skin irritation if touched, and the raw berries may be poisonous to children if ingested. POISONOUS PARTS: Raw seeds, roots. Low toxicity if ingested. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Toxic Principle: Alkaloid and saponins. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes