Goldenseal
Hydrastis canadensis
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
15 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
10+ years
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Yes
The Story
Plant Bio
Hydrastis canadensis, or goldenseal, is a low-growing herbaceous perennial featuring a thick, yellow rhizome. It typically has a single large basal leaf and a hairy stem with two smaller, palmately-lobed leaves. A solitary, petal-less flower with numerous greenish-white stamens blooms in spring, giving way to a showy but inedible cluster of red berries in summer. This species is highly valued for its medicinal properties, particularly its roots which contain alkaloids used in traditional herbal medicine, and it prefers shaded, moist environments for optimal growth.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination, approximately 6 weeks.
- Place in partial shade with well-draining, rich loam soil.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Divide mature plants in early spring or fall to propagate.
Pro Tip
Use rich, well-drained soil and avoid direct sunlight for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Divide plants every 3-4 years to maintain health
- Plant in partial shade for optimal growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose to direct harsh sunlight
- Avoid heavy, clayey soil without amendment
- Do not harvest roots excessively
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Goldenseal questions
What zones can Goldenseal grow in?
Goldenseal is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Goldenseal deer resistant?
Yes — Goldenseal is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Goldenseal bloom?
Goldenseal typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Goldenseal need full sun?
Goldenseal does best in part shade.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Goldenseal with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
