Description
Hydrastis canadensis, commonly called golden seal which typically occurs in rich woods, wooded slopes and valleys.
Goldenseal, also called orangeroot or yellow puccoon, is a perennial herb in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. It may be distinguished by its thick, yellow knotted rootstock.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.Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Goldenseal |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 0.75 to 1 feet |
| Flower Colour | Greenish-yellow to greenish-white |
| Bloom Time | April to May |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Store in a cool, dry, dark area free from insects and rodents. Yields per acre can vary drastically depending on production method and location, but generally range from 800 to 3,000 pounds of dried root per acre.
Hydrastis canadensis care
Goldenseal can be propagated from rhizome pieces, root cuttings, or seed. To propagate from seed, the fruit must be harvested as soon as it is mature, then processed by carefully mashing the fruit to separate out the seeds. This process can take several days, as the seeds and pulp need to ferment in water until they can easily be separated.
| Sunlight | Partial Shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | Well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 95 degrees to 100 degrees F |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Hydrastis canadensis special feature
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade. Prefers well-composted soils with lots of leaf mold.
Hydrastis canadensis uses
Medicinal Use:
- Modern medicinal uses for goldenseal include the treatment of nasal congestion, digestive disorders, inflammation, and AIDS
- Goldenseal is often referred to as a synergistic herb, meaning when taken with other herbs, it increases their efficacy
- Goldenseal and echinacea make up a common combination formula