Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), packet of 5 seeds, organic [INTL. NO]

Note:  These are fresh seeds from the new harvest, delivered in moist coir.

Family:  Barberry (Berberidaceae)

Hardy to Zones 3 to 7

(Blueberry) Woodland herbaceous perennial native to Appalachia, growing to 3 feet tall.  Beautiful three-lobed, blue-green compound leaves with interesting flowers in early spring that give way to clusters of dark blue berries, each held aloft on a characteristically thickened stipe.   Traditional use (NA, TWM): Used in combination with other herbs as a partus preperateur employed toward the end of the last trimester. Once used by midwives during labor to speed the birth process, currently not much used.  Plant prefers deep shade and moist, fertile soil containing plenty of organic matter.  Shy and demure, she grows in the deepest hollows of Appalachia, with a more northerly distribution and increased cold tolerance over the classic forest medicinals such as goldenseal, virginia snakeroot, wild yam, etc.)  These will prosper in most temperate shade gardens.  The seed is a 2-phase germinator (makes a root the first year, aerial parts the second year) so long germination times are typical and must be expected and prepared for.  These very large and cartilagenous seeds will do well direct-seeded into woodland beds or in a pot or flat in the shadehouse.  We sell only pre-stratified seed that is moist and packed in coir.  Sow as soon as possible after receipt, with aerial parts showing in the first or second spring.  If you receive seeds from us that already have a root, this is a good thing, and they should be nestled into the soil with root poking down.   In this case, aerial parts will show in the first spring.   There is a ton of information about this plant, and its unique reproductive biology, in the “Blue Cohosh” Chapter of “Growing at-risk Medicinal Herbs, Cultivation, Conservation and Ecology.”  The plant is largely responsible for the safe homebirths of 2 children in our community.
5 seeds/pkt., Certified organically grown (Fresh, undried seed already stratified for a full year and delivered moist.  Sow immediately upon receipt.)

[Sorry, NO International sales of this seed]