SafePlants

Giant Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum giganteum)

Giant Blue Cohosh is a striking plant often admired for its fern-like unfolding leaves and attractive blue "fruit". It is a perennial forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that persists for multiple years.

Common Names

• Giant Blue Cohosh
• Early Blue Cohosh

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Caulophyllum giganteum (Farw.) Loconte & Blackwell
• Genus: Caulophyllum
• Species: giganteum
• Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry family)
• Synonyms: Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.) Michx. var. giganteum

Distribution and Habitat

• Giant Blue Cohosh is found in North America.
• It is reported in northern regions and has a relatively northern distribution.
• Specifically mentioned locations include the Mulmur Hills, Nova Scotia to Manitoba south to Georgia, and New York.
• It thrives in moist deciduous forests.
• In Illinois, the native Blue Cohosh occurs occasionally in central and northern parts, but Giant Blue Cohosh has not been found in Illinois.

Morphological Characteristics

• Giant Blue Cohosh is a forb/herb.
• It has three to five sets of compound leaves that alternate on a central stalk.
• Its bright glaucous blue "fruit" is more conspicuous and attractive than the flowers.

Quirky Facts

• The blue "fruit" of Giant Blue Cohosh is considered more attractive than its flowers.
• The unfolding leaves of Giant Blue Cohosh have been likened to the grace of a fern.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: Offers a friendly community sharing gardening tips, ideas, seeds and plants.
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Focused on protecting and preserving North America’s native plants.
• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Giant Blue Cohosh.