Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis, Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 1088 (1759))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 1088 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hydrastis

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Goldenseal, scientifically known as Hydrastis canadensis, is a perennial herbaceous plant notable both for its unique appearance and myriad uses. Originating from southeastern Canada and extending into the eastern United States, especially North Carolina, Goldenseal thrives in shady, forested environments where it adds its distinctive touch to the underbrush.

Belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, Goldenseal is characterized by its hairy, purple stems and broad, lobed leaves that are a deep green in color. The plant typically presents small, inconspicuous white flowers that bloom in early spring, followed by the development of red berries in late summer. These berries are visually striking but are not typically consumed due to their bitter taste.

Goldenseal’s significance extends beyond its botanical allure; it has been highly prized in herbal medicine for centuries, primarily due to the alkaloids present in its roots, particularly berberine and hydrastine. These compounds are believed to possess a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting effects. Traditionally, Native American tribes utilized Goldenseal for treating various ailments, including digestive issues, skin diseases, and infections.

The continued interest in Goldenseal’s medicinal applications has also led to its inclusion in various dietary supplements and natural remedies available in modern herbal medicine. However, its popularity has raised concerns about overharvesting and habitat destruction, prompting initiatives aimed at its sustainable cultivation and conservation.

In botanical literature, Goldenseal was first formally described in the 1759 edition of “Systema Naturae,” with the entry penned by the renowned taxonomist Carl Linnaeus. This early documentation highlighted the plant’s defining characteristics and laid the groundwork for its scientific classification within the diverse Ranunculaceae family.

Goldenseal remains a plant of considerable interest for both botanists and herbalists, representing a fascinating intersection of natural beauty and medicinal utility. Its conservation continues to be a priority for ensuring that this valuable plant remains part of the North American flora for generations to come.

Common Names

Eng: goldenseal, orangeroot, yellow-puccoon, yellow root
Deu: kanadische orangenwurzel, kanadische orangewurz
Swe: blodstilla
Fra: fard inolien, hydrastis du canada, racirie jaunisse, sceau d’or, hydraste du canada
Spa: hidrastis, raíz de oro
En: Goldenseal, Orangeroot, Yellow-puccoon, Yellow Root
Ar: خاتم الذهب
Bg: Канадски хидрастис
Ca: Hidrastis
Zh: 金印草
Cs: Vodilka kanadská
Fi: Hurmejuuri
Fr: Fard inolien, Sceau d’or, Racirie jaunisse, Hydrastis du Canada, Hydraste du Canada
De: Kanadische Orangewurz, Kanadische Orangenwurzel
Hu: Kanadai aranygyökér
Ko: 히드라스티스
Fa: خوک طلایی
Pl: Gorzknik kanadyjski
Pt: Hidraste
Qu: Qurisaphi
Ru: Желтокорень
Sk: Vodilka kanadská
Es: Hidrastis, Raíz de oro
Sv: Blodstilla
Zh-hant: 金印草
Tr: Altınmühür

Synonyms

• Warneria canadensis (Mill.)
• Warneria tinctoria (Raf.)
• Hydrastis trifolia (Raf.)
• Warneria diphylla (Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken May 17, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 17, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2015 by EOL − jennings85 (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Apr 10, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 3, 2020 by Green Shar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 10, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2016 by EOL − Melissa McMasters (cc-by)

Taken Apr 6, 2016 by EOL − Melissa McMasters (cc-by)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Alex M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by James Hey (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 13, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken May 17, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 17, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033110)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:305699-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hydrastis canadensis L.)

Specifications

Growth