Caulophyllum robustum, commonly known as Papoose Root, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the East Asia to the Russian Far East. It typically grows to a height of 2 feet (0.6 meters) and a width of 3 feet (0.9 meters). The plant features compound leaves that are deeply divided and blue-green in color, which add texture to garden settings. The small, inconspicuous flowers bloom in early spring and can range in color from brown to yellow-green, with a purplish hue, and are not particularly showy. However, the plant is valued for its blue berries that follow the flowers and for its bold foliage that provides a lush undergrowth in shaded garden areas.

Papoose Root is appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in the understory of larger plants. It is often used in woodland gardens, shade gardens, and native plant gardens. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate part shade to full shade conditions. While it is not drought-tolerant, once established, it can compete with other understory plants. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it can cause skin irritation upon contact.CC BY-SA 4.0