Blue Cohosh

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iCimicifuga racemosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Caulophyllum
Species: C. thalictroides
Binomial name
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.

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