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Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal)
Bruso, George H.

Hydrastis canadensis L.

Goldenseal

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

USDA Symbol: hyca

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Goldenseal becomes 6-12 in. tall, usually bearing three maple-like, shiny-green leaves. The stem is terminated by a single, white flower with yellow stamens followed by a tight cluster of red fruit. 1 large, wrinkled, basal leaf and a hairy stalk bearing 1 flower above a pair of 5-lobed stem leaves, all rising from a yellow, underground stem.

Lacking petals and losing the sepals early, the flowers of this species owe their color to the many whitish stamens. The plant was used medicinally by Native Americans and colonists and is still in use today, ranking with American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) of the ginseng family (Araliaceae) as one of the most collected of eastern North American medicinal herbs. Its current rarity is due at least in part to overcollection.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit: Red
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , PA , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: ON
Native Distribution: VT to MI & MN, s. to VA, mts. of GA, AL, TN & AR
Native Habitat: Deep, rich woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Moist, humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: A deciduous leaf winter cover is desirable. A good ground cover for moist, shady places. The knotty yellow rhizomes are used in medicine and have been collected so extensively that the plant is nearly exterminated.

Propagation

Description: Easily propagated by seed, division or root cuttings. To propagate by division, divide the rhizomes when the plant is dormant. To grow from seed, sow fresh seed and cover lightly with leafmold. Keep the seeds moist; they will stratify by themselves. G
Seed Collection: Collect the berry as soon as it turns scarlet and separate the seeds from the pulp.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Hydrastis canadensis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Hydrastis canadensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hydrastis canadensis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-10-03
Research By: TWC Staff

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