Caulophyllum is a small genus of perennial herbs belonging to the family Berberidaceae and closely related to the Eurasian genera Leontice and Gymnospermium.

Plants produce underground stems called rhizomes that give rise to the leaves each spring and in the fall when the foliage dies back a scar is left on the rhizome and a new bud is formed that will grow into the foliage next spring.

Each fertilized flower matures into a large (1 cm) deep-blue berry-like fruit which houses two bitter seeds.

The large seeds are covered with a characteristic blue coat, and the fruits remain on the plants until fall.

Children should not be allowed to eat the attractive blue fruits, as these plants contain chemicals that are known to cause cell damage.

[3][5] Historically the root of Caulophyllum has been used as a medicine for: cancer, internal parasites, smooth muscle function, spasms, diuretic, menstruation, and childbirth.