Ontario Wildflowers website

Blue Cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) 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

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

The distinctive greenish flowers of Caulophyllum thalictroides. Early May.

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

A nice sideways view of a flower.

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Overall plant. In this species the flowers are in bloom at the same time that the leaves are fully unfurled.

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Leaf.

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Last year's fruit in early May.


Range map for Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

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)