Blue Cohosh, Papoose root, Squawroot, Blue ginseng
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows 30-75 cm high. It has a matted rootstock with underground stems or rhizomes. It can spread widely. The leaves are compound. The flowers are star shaped and green to purple. They are 1 cm across. The fruit are deep blue berries.
The roots are used in medicine.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows best in moist, cool conditions. It grows in swamps and running streams. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
The seeds are roasted and used as a substitute for coffee. The large leaves are eaten after boiling. CAUTION: The fruit are claimed to be poisonous.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Seeds - coffee, leaves
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
It is slow growing.