About

This rhizomatous perennial features trifoliate leaves and produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of green or yellow-brown during the spring. After flowering, it develops berry-like seeds that are a vibrant deep blue and can reach up to 1 cm in diameter.

About the genus

Caulophyllum consists of perennial plants that grow from rhizomes. Their foliage is characterized by leaves that are divided into three leaflets. The flowers are modest in appearance, and they produce berry-like seeds that are a vivid blue.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden
Native to
E N America

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich, acid soil in deep or partial shade
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division of root crowns or rhizomes in autumn
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free