Friday, May 16, 2008

Blue Cohosh

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) has been a mystery to me for several years until it finally struck me that the plant with pretty blue berry-like seeds in autumn is this plant with tiny, almost inconspicuous brown or green flowers in spring,
I like the foliage and have always thought it would make a lovely foil for lighter coloured plants in a shady garden. Bonus: the flowers smell like nutmeg.

Apparently blue cohosh roots and berry-like seeds are poisonous if eaten but roasted seeds have been used as a coffee substitute. Hmmmm. This is another wild food I'll let someone else try. How about you?

7 comments:

  1. I don't think I want to try it! Interesting plant tho.

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  2. lovely bokeh photos you have in this blog.

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  3. Pretty flower with interesting information. I agree, it would look nice in a mixed garden setting.

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  4. Where is your skywatch? Nice pics though.

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  5. I know just the persom who would try this stuff out.. ha!.. not that she wouldrelise until I told her though... ha!..
    Like you I like those leaves..

    Tom

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  6. I am going to have to look this up when I remember to see if it grows in our area...the leaves look vaguely familiar but maybe it just reminds me of something. I think it is an in interesting plant and the flower especially.

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  7. Great post. I learned something new.

    In fact, I like all your posts..
    I am adding you to my "check it Out - Favorites" blog roll.

    Troy

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