NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details
Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal
Scientific Name: |
Hydrastis canadensis |
---|---|
Genus: |
Hydrastis |
Species Epithet: |
canadensis |
Common Name: |
Goldenseal |
Plant Type |
Herb/Wildflower |
Life Cycle |
Perennial |
Plant Family |
Hydrastidaceae (Golden-Seal Family) |
Native/Alien: |
NC Native |
Invasive Status: |
(*Key) |
Size: |
0-1 ft. |
Bloom Color(s): |
White |
Light: |
Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day, Less than 2 hours of sun per day |
Soil Moisture: |
Moist |
Bloom Time: |
April, May |
Growing Area: |
Mountains, Piedmont |
Habitat Description: |
Mesic (rarely drier), very nutrient-rich forests, with circumneutral soils, over calcareous or mafic rocks such as limestone, amphibolite, and dolostone, sometimes forming large colonies after canopy disturbance such as logging. Rare in the mountains, and very rare in the far northern Piedmont. This is a Significantly Rare species. |
Leaf Arrangement: |
Alternate, Basal |
Leaf Retention: |
Deciduous |
Leaf Type: |
Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like |
Leaf Form: |
Simple |
Life Cycle: |
Perennial |
Wildlife Value: |
Important for Wildlife |
Landscape Value: |
Recommended and Available |
State Rank: |
S3: Vulnerable (*Key) |
Global Rank: |
G3 - Vulnerable, G4 - Apparently Secure (*Key) |
State Status: |
SC-V: Special Concern: Vulnerable, Exploited (*Key) |
Notes: |
Exploited for the herbal trade (and still often used as a home remedy in more remote parts of the mountains), though too rare in the eastern part of our area to support economically significant wild collection. The rhizome and roots are bitter in taste and contain several alkaloids. |
Lisa Lofland Gould |
|
Lisa Lofland Gould |
|
Bettina Darveaux |
|
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