The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: goldenseal, orange-root, yellow-puccoon

Family: Ranunculaceae (buttercup family)

Distribution: e. North America

IUCN Red list: Vulnerable

CITES: Appendix II

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

IUCN Red List code: VU A2cd+4cd; 30 April 2014

Comments: The thick rhizome (rootstock) of goldenseal was once heavily used in traditional medicine by both Native Americans and colonial settlers as a tonic, diuretic, insect repellent, and dye. Its popularity increased during the mid-19th Century as an herbal remedy, which led to overharvesting and habitat destruction. In large doses, though, it has actually been found to be poisonous. Now, goldenseal is listed as a threatened plant and despite having a wide native range, it is only seen growing in very small populations. Goldenseal bears two palmate, hairy leaves that are toothed and a single small flower consisting only of greenish white stamens (no petals). The flowers bloom in April and give way to inedible red raspberry-like berries.