Blue Cohosh is a pretty woodland plant that attracts Halictid bees and bumblebees (illinoiswildflower.org). It is also the host to 3 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The flowers are greenish yellow and are followed by berries that ripen to a deep blue. These berries are NOT for human consumption, so leave them for the birds! The foliage is bitter, so mammalian herbivores tend to avoid it.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Blue Cohosh is a pretty woodland plant that attracts Halictid bees and bumblebees (illinoiswildflower.org). It is also the host to 3 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The flowers are greenish yellow and are followed by berries that ripen to a deep blue. These berries are NOT for human consumption, so leave them for the birds! The foliage is bitter, so mammalian herbivores tend to avoid it.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Partial-Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium/wet-Medium
Height: 2 feet
Bloom Time: April-May
Bloom Color: Green
Advantages: Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant, Great Landscaping Plant
Host Plant: 3 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)
Complementary Plants: Spring ephemerals, Zigzag goldenrod, White snakeroot
