Species Giant Blue Cohosh

Giant Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum giganteum (Farwell) Loconte & W.H. Blackwell

Giant Blue Cohosh is an evergreen perennial herb native to Quebec, New England, and the Appalachian Mountains. Its large blue-green leaves resemble those of other members of the Barberry family. The fragrant white flowers are bell-shaped and 6-8 cm long. The plant's clusters of blue berries are held in the leaf axils and ripen in late summer. Giant Blue Cohosh was traditionally used by Native Americans for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Folklore associates it with fertility: the plant may be used to induce labor and ease childbirth. It is still widely used in many parts of the world today as an aid to women's fertility and to regulate menstrual cycles.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,black

Growth Rate:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water your Giant Blue Cohosh deeply once or twice a week, depending on the season. In the summer, water thoroughly each week if rainfall is less than 1 inch. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow the excess to drain away from the base of the plant. In the winter, water deeply every other week if there is no rainfall. Soak the root zone during each watering session and reduce the frequency of watering if the ground is frozen.

sunlight

Giant Blue Cohosh plants thrive best in areas with abundant sunshine. During the spring and summer months, Giant Blue Cohosh plants should receive 5 to 6 hours of sun each day, allowing the plant to produce larger, more vibrant leaves and blooms. As temperatures drop and daylight becomes shorter in the autumn and winter months, the amount of sunshine the plant should receive should decrease to 3 to 4 hours of sun per day in order for the plant to survive and protect itself from damage due to frost and cold.

pruning

Pruning of Giant Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum giganteum) should be done in early spring, after any risk of frost has passed. Prune out dead wood and any damaged or unevenly spaced growth by cutting the stems back to near ground level. This will encourage dense new growth and encourage flowering. If necessary, prune out any crossing stems or stems that are growing in the wrong direction. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the delicate flower structures of the plant. Low maintenance pruning should be done every 2 to 3 years to keep the plant looking tidy, and to promote new flowering stems.