blue cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow , green , brown
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a perennial for shade gardens and low maintenance beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its leaves look purplish in spring, and small yellow-green flowers draw early solitary bees. Bright-blue berries follow the flowers. Deer tend to pass it by.
Pairs well with Jack in the pulpit, Wild ginger, and Foam flower.
Native range
AL, AR, CT, DE, and 31 more places. See all 35
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; NB, NS, and ON.