Papoose Root, Blue cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides

Family: Berberidaceae

What it is like

Caulophyllum thalictroides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Rich moist soils in swamps, by streams and in woods.

Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to South Carolina, Arkansas, North Dakota and Manitoba.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. The seeds are about the size of large peas, but are not produced in abundance.

Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.

Medicine

Rating: 3

Papoose root is a traditional herb of many North American Indian tribes and was used extensively by them to facilitate child birth. Modern herbalists still consider it to be a woman's herb and it is commonly used to treat various gynaecological conditions. An acrid, bitter, warming herb, it stimulates the uterus, reduces inflammation, expels intestinal worms and has diuretic effects. The root is anthelmintic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, oxytocic and sedative. An infusion of the root in warm water is taken for about 2 weeks before the expected birth date in order to ease the birth. This infusion can also be used as an emmenagogue and a uterine stimulant. Papoose root should therefore be used with some caution by women who are in an earlier stage of pregnancy since it can induce a miscarriage or early delivery. The plant is also taken internally in the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease, rheumatism and gout. It should not be prescribed for people with hypertension and heart diseases. The powdered root can have an irritant action on the mucous membranes, therefore any use of this plant is best under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The roots are normally harvested in the autumn, because they are at their richest at this time, and are dried for later use. The root is harvested in early spring as new growth is beginning and is used to make a homeopathic remedy. It is used especially in childbirth and in some forms of rheumatism.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Birthing aid: Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a damp light humus-rich woodland soil preferring a position in deep shade. One report says that it is best in a peat garden. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c. The plant only produces one large leaf each year. The seeds rupture the ovary before they are fully ripe and continue to expand naked, they are bright blue when fully ripe.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady part of a cold frame. If stored seed is used, it should be sown as soon as it is received. Germination can be erratic. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady part of a greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions during autumn or early winter. Division in spring or just after flowering. Plants are slow to increase.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

This plant should not be used during pregnancy prior to the commencement of labour. Excessive doses may cause high blood pressure and symptoms similar to nicotine poisoning. Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, in-coordination and narrowing of blood vessels to the heart muscles. Powdered root can have an irritant effect on mucous membranes . Contraindicated in patients with ischaemic heart disease (angina and heart attacks) and in patients with high blood pressure .

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Leontice thalictroides L.