Hydrastis canadensis Linnaeus. Goldenseal, Tumeric, Orange-root. Phen: Apr-May; May-Jun. Hab: 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. Dist: VT and MN south to w. and c. NC, nw. SC (Bradley et al. [in prep.]), n. GA, TN, and AR.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Other Comments: 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. Reported for SC (P. McMillan, pers.comm., 2002).

Synonymy: = Ar, C, F, FNA3, G, Il, K1, K3, K4, Mi, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, S, S13, Tat, Tn, Va, W, WV

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Heliophily: 1