Safety note: All parts are toxic; berries are especially dangerous to children.
Blue Cohosh is a spring wildflower of rich eastern forests, producing small yellowish-green flowers followed by striking deep blue berries that resemble blueberries but are toxic. It was used medicinally by indigenous peoples for a variety of purposes. The species has declined in many areas due to over-harvesting and forest fragmentation.
Habitat
Rich moist hardwood forest understory, often on calcareous soils
Diet
Berries eaten by thrushes; flowers visited by early spring bees and flies
How common
Uncommon
Recent Blue Cohosh sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Blue Cohosh? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free