Caulophyllum thalictroides

RHS Plant Profile
blue cahosh
blue cahosh Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Other common names

blue cohosh, blue ginseng, garden blueberry, papoose root, umbrella leaf

Herbaceous Perennial

A rhizomatous perennial with leaves divided into three leaflets and sprays of small, green or yellow-brown, star-shaped flowers in spring. These are followed by deep, bright blue, berry-like seeds up to 1cm across

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Caulophyllum are rhizomatous perennials with leaves divided into three leaflets, unshowy flowers and bright blue, berry-like seeds
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich, acid soil in deep or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division of root crowns or rhizomes in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free