GOLDEN SEAL
Hydrastis canadensis

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CLICK PICTURES FOR LARGER VIEW DESCRIPTION Goldeseal is a perennial plant that is native to eastern United States and still grows throughout this area. It grows to a height of just over a foot. The plant has one basal and two stem leaves. The leaves are palmate with deep serrations. The short lived flowers are small and insignificant. They are followed by a red seed berry, as shown in the pictures. It has a thick short yellow rhizome that has thinner and longer branches. The plant has a high alkaloid content that is the basis for medical usage. Berberine alkaloid supposedly prevents infection of mucous membranes. American Indians used goldenseal for all sorts of ailments. Goldenseal is still used as a medicinal herb. Also there is a mistaken belief that Golden Seal products are effective in masking drug tests. This has put additional pressure on remaining wild stands of the plant. Efforts are now underway for commercial production to meet the public demand. . Return to Summer Index