Species PlantsBlue Cohosh

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Safety note: All parts are toxic; berries are especially dangerous to children.

Blue Cohosh is a spring wildflower of rich eastern forests, producing small yellowish-green flowers followed by striking deep blue berries that resemble blueberries but are toxic. It was used medicinally by indigenous peoples for a variety of purposes. The species has declined in many areas due to over-harvesting and forest fragmentation.

Habitat
Rich moist hardwood forest understory, often on calcareous soils
Diet
Berries eaten by thrushes; flowers visited by early spring bees and flies
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Blue Cohosh

The best time to see a Blue Cohosh is April–May, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,383 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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