Family: Ranunculaceae
goldenseal
Merel R. Black
Etymology: Hydrastis: Greek hydro for "water"
Plants: erect, perennial, 6"-20" tall forb; stems hairy; rhizomes yellow inside
Leaves: usually 1 basal and 2 alternate leaves on the stem near the top, widely heart-shaped with 5 toothed lobes and indented, palmate veins
Flowers: white, 7 or more-parted, 3 petal-like sepals falling off when the flower opens, no petals; stamens and pistils numerous forming a ball-like, solitary, terminal flower; blooms May
Fruits: red, 1-2 seeded berries in a rounded cluster
Habitat: shade; moderate moisture; woods; in rich soil
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Plants: erect, perennial, 6"-20" tall forb; stems hairy; rhizomes yellow inside
Leaves: usually 1 basal and 2 alternate leaves on the stem near the top, widely heart-shaped with 5 toothed lobes and indented, palmate veins
Flowers: white, 7 or more-parted, 3 petal-like sepals falling off when the flower opens, no petals; stamens and pistils numerous forming a ball-like, solitary, terminal flower; blooms May
Fruits: red, 1-2 seeded berries in a rounded cluster
Habitat: shade; moderate moisture; woods; in rich soil
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Rich woods of maple-basswood, maple-beech, red oak-basswood, and oak-hickory. Not common, no doubt in part because of the over-harvesting of the rhizomes for their purported medicinal qualities. Mostly found in the southeastern counties, but also known from some parts of the Driftless Area.
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10 WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Purple Sage - Ethnobotanical Information: Detailed usage, preparation, and other helpful information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Paul Drobot
Christopher Noll
Botanical Illustration
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Janice Stiefel
Mark Mittelstadt
Paul Drobot
Hugh H. Iltis
Paul Drobot
Christopher Noll
Christopher Noll
Janice Stiefel
Christopher Noll
Christopher Noll
Marion Sheehan
Theodore S. Cochrane
Merel R. Black