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Goldenseal, Orangeroot - Hydrastis canadensis


Family: Ranunculaceae - Buttercup family Genus Common Name: Goldenseal Native Status: Native
Hydrastis canadensis - Goldenseal, Orangeroot. Goldenseal has much medicinal usage, and due to the commercial exploitation is becoming rarer. It is listed as Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern in 12 of the 27 states in which it is found, including Georgia, where these photos were taken.

Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV, GS

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Hydrastis canadensis

Distribution of Hydrastis canadensis in the United States and Canada:
Map unavailable.
Map courtesy of The Biota of North America Program.
Map color key

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Site: Pigeon Mountain - East, Walker County GA Date: 2010-April-16Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
The Goldenseal blossom consists of many elongated white stamens which surround numerous (12-15 or more) green pistils. The blossom is held on a stalk above the palmate leaf.

I had previously reported that this photograph is from the only county in Georgia where the plant is found. That was based on the USDA Plants Database distribution maps, and personal discussion with a couple of knowledgeable sources. I have recently (07/03/2011) found references, including online documentation from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (1995) and the excellent 2007 book Field Guide to the Rare Plants of Georgia by Linda G. Chafin, which indicate that the plant may be found in 10 or 12 locations in the state. You can find links to these sources in the "References" section below.
Hydrastis canadensis

Site: Pigeon Mountain - East, Walker County GA Date: 2011-March-05Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Click on the photo for a larger image
Hydrastis canadensis

Site: Pigeon Mountain - East, Walker County GA Date: 2010-April-16Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF MacroFlash: Y
Goldenseal has lobed, toothed leaves which have a wrinkled appearance while flowering.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Hydrastis canadensis

Site: Pigeon Mountain - East, Walker County GA Date: 2011-March-25Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
Click on the photo for a larger image
Hydrastis canadensis

Site: Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA Date: 2011-March-25Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Click on the photo for a larger image
Hydrastis canadensis

References used for identification and information:
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Hydrastis canadensis initially published on USWildflowers.com 2010-04-19; Updated 2017-03-02

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All content except USDA Plants Database map Copyright Gerald C. Williamson 2024
Photographs Copyright owned by the named photographer



Code Update 20230302