Explore Plants
Native Plant Database
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Vick, Albert F. W.
Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.) Michx.
Blue cohosh, Squaw-root, Papoose-root, Caulophylle faux-pigamon
Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)
USDA Symbol: CATH2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Spreading and bushy when mature, blue cohosh is a large, many-stemmed perennial, 1-3 ft. tall. Thrice-compound leaves with lobed leaflets are purplish in spring. Inconspicuous, purplish-brown to yellow-green flowers in a loosely branched cluster. Clusters of flowers are followed by conspicuous, bright-blue berries.
The six stamens and central pistil of this early spring flower mature at different times, assuring cross-pollination. The petals bear fleshy nectar glands that are visited by early solitary bees. The ovary is eventually ruptured by the developing seeds within it; the seeds are thus exposed, an unusual condition among flowering plants. The seeds have reportedly been used as a coffee substitute, but may also be toxic. The foliage resembles meadow rues (Thalictrum), hence the species name.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , BrownBloom 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 , WVCanada: NB , NS , ON
Native Distribution: N.B. to s.e. Man., s. to New England, SC mts., TN & AR
Native Habitat: Deciduous & mixed woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight 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
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
Propagation
Seed Collection: Not AvailableSeed Treatment: Scarifing seeds by nicking the seed coat will hasten germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Amandas Garden - Springwater, NY
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Caulophyllum thalictroides in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Caulophyllum thalictroides in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Caulophyllum thalictroides
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-10-03Research By: TWC Staff
