Other common names:
Green-flowered Blue Cohosh French names:
Caulophylle Family: Barberry Family (Berberidaceae) Similar species: Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum giganteum) - Purple flowers that bloom before or with the leaves opening. Flowers: Spring; Green/Brown; 6 parts (petals) Height:
45-60 cm (17-23 in) Habitat: Forests Grows in Sun/Shade:
Shade Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 354 Native/Non-native:
Native Notes:
There are two species of Blue Cohosh: Caulophyllum thalictroides (this one) and Caulophyllum giganteum. Caulophyllum thalictroides (the one on this page) generally has lighter greenish flowers which bloom after the leaves have opened. Caulophyllum giganteum has dark purple/red flowers which open with or before the leaves.
Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: thalictroides: like "thalictrum" Photographs:
155 photographs available, of which 7 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Range Map is at the bottom of the page
The distinctive greenish flowers of Caulophyllum thalictroides. Early May.
A nice sideways view of a flower.
Overall plant. In this species the flowers are in bloom at the same time that the leaves are fully unfurled.
PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.
(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website
and is displayed here in accordance with their
Policies)