Pronounced (approximate): kaw-loh-FILL-um thal-ik-TROY-deez
Small greenish-yellow flowers appear as the leaves unfold. Compound leaves divide into groups of broad leaflets.
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides): close view of flowers. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Berberidaceae
Life cycle Herbaceous perennial
Blooms Spring
Height 1–2 feet
Habitat Rich, moist deciduous woodland in dappled shade
Common names
Blue Cohosh
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Rich, moist deciduous woodland in dappled shade. Flowering season: spring.
The blue structures resemble berries but are seeds with fleshy coats. Emerging shoots and folded leaves may be purplish. Compare leaves and flowers as well as the later seed stage.
Small greenish-yellow flowers appear as the leaves unfold.
Exposed seeds develop a fleshy blue covering.
Look for herbaceous perennial growth in rich, moist deciduous woodland in dappled shade. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
18 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Central and eastern Canada through the north-central and eastern United States.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AL, AR, CT, DE, DC, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, PA, SC, SD, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Blue Cohosh in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.