Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Blue Cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides
[C-value
8]
Barberry family (Berberidaceae)
Blooms mid-April -
May
The native Blue Cohosh is uncommon in our area. It prefers dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade during the summer, and fertile loamy soil with average moisture levels. Habitats include rich woodlands, bluffs, and wooded slopes of large ravines. This perennial is 1-3' tall and unbranched. The erect stem is light green to pale purple with sculptured, compound, canopy leaves (1-2" across) and sparse open clusters of long-stemmed, 6-petaled, greenish yellow blossoms. The flowers are replaced by berries that are about 1/3" across, globe-shaped, initially green, but later becoming deep blue.
Blue Cohash at Lyon Forest Preserve May 7, 2015
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Blue Cohash (with May Apple) at Millbrook South Forest Preserve April 30, 2014
Blue Cohosh at Millbrook South Forest Preserve May 7, 2014
Blue Cohosh with immature berries at Richard Young Forest Preserve July 17, 2013
Blue Cohosh with mature berries at Millbrook North Forest Preserve August 12, 2010
Blue Cohosh was known by Native Americans as squaw root and papoose root as its roots were used in teas and tonics to treat rheumatism, dropsy, colic, cramps, hiccough, epilepsy, female reproductive issues, uterine problems, and to induce labor and ease the pain of childbirth. Many tribes (and European "herbologists") used it with other herbs for abortive and contraceptive purposes. Reminder: see our Do Not Disturb Notice.
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