Caulophyllum thalictroides
blue cahosh
A rhizomatous perennial with leaves divided into three leaflets and sprays of small, green or yellow-brown, star-shaped flowers in spring. These are followed by deep, bright blue, berry-like seeds up to 1cm across

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Brown | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | Blue | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Caulophyllum are rhizomatous perennials with leaves divided into three leaflets, unshowy flowers and bright blue, berry-like seeds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich, acid soil in deep or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division of root crowns or rhizomes in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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