Hydrastis canadensis Goldenseal (Ranunculaceae)

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Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal
(1 Page of 5)

The Hydrastis canadensis plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Connecticut to Minnesota, Missouri and Kansas. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Goldenseal.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Hydrastis canadensis
Common Name:  Goldenseal
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The whole plant is poisonous[4, 19].

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  0.25

Habitat:  Rich shady woods[4, 43] and moist areas on woodland edges[19, 31].

Cultivation Notes: Goldenseal is somewhat difficult of cultivation, it prefers a good rich moist loamy leafy soil in shade or partial shade[4, 31, 187]. Prefers a sandy, acid to neutral humus-rich soil[200]. Grows best in a pH range from 6 to 7[238]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[187]. Goldenseal is grown commercially as a medicinal plant[57], but it is not easy to establish the plants[4, 200]. Another report says that all goldenseal root that is used medicinally comes from wild plants[238]. Since the plant is becoming increasingly rare in many parts of its range, it is probably wise to try and find alternatives to this species for medicinal use unless you can be sure that your supply comes from cultivated plants[K].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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