Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Family Berberidaceae

Brief Description: Stands 1-3 feet in height with a purple-blue cast to the stems and leaves. Leaflets egg-shaped to oval, five lobed; 2-3 inches long at maturity. Flowers are yellowish-green or greenish-purple and arranges in a small panicle or raceme-like cyme, 1.25-2.5 inches wide.

Blooms in April and May.

Geographic Range: From New Brunswick to Ontario and Manitoba, south to South Carolina, Alabama, and Missouri.

Habitat: Rich, moist woods

Garden Use: This is a deep-rooted perennial, so it can be planted among plants with shallow root systems such as Foamflower. Plant behind Bleeding Heart to accent the colors.

Historic Uses: The seeds ripen on exposed, short stalks which resemble drupes. This plant is poisonous.