Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), also called orangeroot or yellow puccoon, is a perennial herb native to North America. 

It may be distinguished by its thick, yellow knotted rootstock. The stem is purplish and hairy above ground and yellow below ground where it connects to the yellow rhizome. Fertile plants have a single stem with two palmately lobed leaves. Flowering plants produce a single flower in spring. Fertilized flowers grow into red, raspberry-like fruits with one or two seeds.

Found in southeastern Canada and the eastern United States, the plant grows in forests under deciduous trees. It can be found growing in association with plants such as Jeffersonia diphylla (twinleaf) and Dicentra canadensis (squirrel corn).

Goldenseal became popular in the mid-19th century. By 1905, the herb was much less plentiful because of overharvesting and habitat destruction. 

Canada, as well as 17 of the 27 U.S. states where goldenseal grows natively, have declared it as threatened, vulnerable or uncommon. More than 60 million goldenseal plants are picked each year without being replaced. Although goldenseal's geographical range is wide, it is found in small quantities in these habitats.

According to the American Cancer Society, "Goldenseal can have toxic side effects, and high doses can cause death." Ornamental use only.

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Height: 15", 38cm

Location: Shade to part shade

Seeds per packet: 5