Trees Planet: Caulophyllum thalictroides

General Information

Common Name	Blue Cohosh, Squaw root or Papoose root
Scientific Name	Caulophyllum thalictroides
Sun Tolerance	Shade
Height	Below 1 m (1–3 ft)
Spread	Below 1 m (1–2 ft)
Growth Rate	Moderate
Bloom Time	Spring
Color	Green
Flower Color	Gree, Yellow, White
Type	Shrub
Native	North-America

Classification

Kingdom	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class	Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass	Magnoliidae
Order	Ranunculales
Family	Berberidaceae – Barberry family
Genus	Caulophyllum Michx. – cohosh
Species	C. thalictroides

Caulophyllum thalictroides - Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides common name is Blue Cohosh. It is also called Squaw Root or Papoose root. It is native to eastern North-America. It is found in hardwood forest of the eastern United States, and favors moist coves and hillsides. It is generally well grown in shady locations, in rich soil. This is flowering shrubs plant. Plants may be grown from seed, but usually will not flower until the third or fourth year. It is a medium-tall perennial with blue berry-like fruits and evergreen tree. Blue Cohosh grows 1-3 feet (below 1m). It is valued not for its flowers but for its lacy, ternately-compound, blue-green foliage and its erect clusters of blue, fruit-like seeds. Leaves appear at mid-stem, emerging a smoky blue in spring and turning bluish-green at maturity. Young plants are covered with a whitish, waxy bloom. Inconspicuous, brownish-green to yellowish-green flowers. The roots of Blue Cohosh has a great medic value. It is used as a medicinal herb by American Indians. Many Native American tribes and mid-wives, would use this herb in conjunction with other herbs and fluids for abortive and contraceptive purposes.