Goldenseal Plant
Thrives in Zones 4-8
Attracts beneficial garden pollinators
Thrives in shady garden areas
Supports sustainable gardening practices
Ships in
7-10 DaysGoldenseal Plant | Hydrastis Canadensis
The Goldenseal Plant is a delightful herb native to the eastern USA. Its sturdy straight stalks and umbrella-like leaves make it a charming addition to your deciduous forest understory. The leaves are highly textured, and the fine hairs covering the entirety of the leaves glisten when struck by the sun, creating an enchanted forest feeling.
The plant produces one petal-less flower composed of only white stamens. Once pollinated, a bright red raspberry-like fruit develops, creating a vibrant contrast with its vivid green leaves. Since the berries develop atop very short stems, it looks as though they are being offered for eating on a leafy green platter.
Plant Details - Goldenseal Plant (Hydrastis Canadensis)
Family: Ranunculaceae
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Light Requirement: Partial sun to full shade
Water Needs: Moderate
Height: 10 to 15 in
Spread: 10 in to 2 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom Time: April to May
Flower Color: Greenish-white
Wildlife Value: Red berries can be consumed by wildlife
The Goldenseal Plant plant develops from its rhizomatous roots that are yellow in color, which is where the plant gets its common name. It blooms in mid to late spring and creates an inviting ground cover in moist areas of the garden. Once the plant has reached reproductive age, it produces two leaves per plant arranged alternately, however while still immature, leaves are produced on a single stalk.
It is a popular medicinal plant and is used to cure flue and cold symptoms. It is one of the earliest recorded American medicinal plants and it is regularly a top seller among the medicinal market.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Goldenseal Plant (Hydrastis Canadensis)
It thrives in shady areas of the garden and enjoys moist, well-drained soil. While it does prefer moist soil, it is tolerant of many different soil types and pHs.
The plant requires no maintenance once established. Add this native to your medicinal garden and enjoy it for its delightful visual appeal and for its wellness properties alike. Or plant it among taller, shade-producing overstory in your garden to produce a luscious understory counterpart.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Goldenseal Plant
Medicinal, delightful ground cover, low-maintenance. This charming ground cover is an excellent addition to your native plant garden or wetland landscape. Shop for Goldenseal Plants online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.
This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery
Bloom Season
Summer
Bloom/Foliage Color
White
Height at Maturity
Under 12"
Care
Goldenseal thrives in well-drained, rich soil. Keep it evenly moist but not soggy. Fertilize sparingly in early spring. Protect from extreme temperatures and pests. Harvest roots in the fall, ensuring the plant has matured for optimal potency.
Plant Reproduction
Goldenseal plant spreads by growing its rhizomes and fibrous roots into the surrounding area.
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs
Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.
For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.
Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.
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Why You'll Love This Goldenseal Plant
Perennial Herb:
Develops small, red berry-like fruit and thrives as a perennial herb.
Bird and Animal Attraction:
Attracts birds, squirrels, and bees, especially honey bees.
Companion Planting:
Grows well with sugar maple trees, walnut trees, oaks, basswood, white ash, and poplars.
Shady Area Growth:
Can grow in areas where other flowers may fail, like under large shade trees.
