Goldenseal, also known as orange root and yellow puccoon, was used by Indigenous peoples in parts of North America for thousands of years and remains popular with herbalists and natural healers today. You may have seen it in the woods, nestled in deep shade. The name comes from the rhizome’s yellow color and sap, traditionally used as a dye.
The Growth Of Goldenseal
In botanical terms, Hydrastis canadensis L. is a forb: a broadleaf (non-grass, characterized by broad leaves rather than needles) herbaceous (never developing wood) perennial flowering plant. It has an underground rhizome system, sometimes called a creeping rootstock, meaning that its stem grows horizontally underground and produces branching roots like an iris.
The Appearance Of Goldenseal Plant
Goldenseal is a little plant with a distinct appearance likely to be confused with any other plant. In the spring, dark green, slightly wrinkled, multi-lobed leaves appear on forked stems. The leaves usually span 3-12 inches. A small white flower without petals will appear on the top leaves, eventually turning into a raspberry-like fruit later in the summer. Each fruit yields up to 30 black seeds.
Growing Goldenseal Plant
The Goldenseal Plant's natural range extended from Quebec southward to Georgia and from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River basin. In its ideal environment, it is a naturally resistant plant with few pests or diseases. The rhizome grows and spreads horizontally outward year after year.
Hardiness Zone: 3-7
Mature Height: 8-15 inches
Soil Preferences: Loamy, rich in organic matter, pH 5.5-6.5; add lime to increase growth if the soil is too acidic; responds well to top-dressing and mulching
Water: Moist but well-drained; does well on slopes and raised beds.
Light: Partial to full shade
Flowering Habit: Single white flower April-May, followed by a red berry-like fruit in midsummer
Growth Type: Perennial Propagation: Best results from rhizome pieces over ½ inch with attached roots and at least one bud