Blue Cohosh

About Blue Cohosh

This plant is a perennial herb with an erect, simple stem, single leaf divided into threes. It has flowers in a terminal cluster which are 6-parted and a greenish-yellow. The fruit opens to expose 1-2 blue, fleshy seeds. They are found in the forest or natural area in moist woods.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Genus

Caulophyllum

Family

Berberidaceae

Order

Ranunculales

Also known as

Blue cohosh, Squaw root and Papoose root

How to care for Blue Cohosh

💦 Water

How often to water your Blue Cohosh

Blue Cohosh needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Blue Cohosh in your home

Blue Cohosh can tolerate being far from a window and light source.

Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Blue Cohosh in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Blue Cohosh

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Blue Cohosh: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Blue Cohosh after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

⭐ Difficulty Level

Blue Cohosh is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!

How to Grow Blue Cohosh →

Benefits of Growing Blue Cohosh →

Common Blue Cohosh Problems →

Outdoor Care Guide for Blue Cohosh →

💦 Water Needs

Blue Cohosh prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Blue Cohosh Water Frequency →

Blue Cohosh Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Blue Cohosh can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Blue Cohosh Light Requirements →

Blue Cohosh Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Blue Cohosh is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Blue Cohosh is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Is Blue Cohosh Edible? →

Blue Cohosh Toxicity to Cats →

Blue Cohosh Toxicity to Dogs →

Blue Cohosh Toxicity to Humans →

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Blue Cohosh grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

Blue Cohosh Lifecycle →

Blue Cohosh Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Blue Cohosh →

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Blue Cohosh can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-8b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Blue Cohosh Temperature Tolerance →

Blue Cohosh Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Blue Cohosh →

When to Plant Blue Cohosh →

How to Plant Blue Cohosh →

Where to Plant Blue Cohosh →

Winter Care for Blue Cohosh →

Best Companion Plants for Blue Cohosh →

Is Blue Cohosh a Weed? →

🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Blue Cohosh, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.