Blue cahosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Blue cahosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides).
This plant has several common names including: blue cahosh, blue cohosh, blue ginseng, garden blueberry, papoose root, squaw root or umbrella leaf.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: blue cahosh, blue cohosh, blue ginseng, garden blueberry, papoose root, squaw root, umbrella leaf
Scientific name: Caulophyllum thalictroides
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full shade, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Blue cahosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) – H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Blue cahosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Blue cahosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a plant that prefers to grow in clay or loam.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid pH.
Regarding drainage, Caulophyllum thalictroides likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Blue cahosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a plant that should be grown in shade or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Blue cahosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) – The Cosmonaut, CC BY-SA 2.5 CA, via Wikimedia Commons
