Blue Cohosh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
iCimicifuga racemosa | ||||||||||||||
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Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.) Michaux |
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides; also called Squaw Root or Papoose Root) is a flowering plant in the Berberidaceae (barberry) family. It was used as a medicinal herb by American Indians. It is a tall perennial with large blue berries. it can be used as a dietary supplement that can induce labor.
From the single stalk rising from the ground, there are three branches plus a fruiting stalk. Leaves are tulip shaped, entire at the base but serrate at the tip.
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), although similarly named, is actually a plant in a separate genus.
It grows in eastern North America, from Manitoba and Oklahoma east to the Atlantic Ocean.
[edit] External links
- USDA page for Caulophyllum thalictroides
- Blue Cohosh page from eFloras site