"Goldenseal has long been valued medicinally for the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating, and astringent properties found in its yellowish roots. But due to commercial exploitation and the destruction of its habitats, wild populations have been declining to low levels. It was once common in forests with cool, rich, limey, organic soils from New Hampshire to Minnesota and south to Kentucky and Georgia. However, propagated plants not only have medicinal value, but Goldenseal is also a very attractive plant for the landscape.

A slowly creeping perennial, Goldenseal sends up 2 hairy stems about 18 inches tall. One stem has a single, large, maple leaf-shaped leaf and the other stem splits into two leaflets. From this split, a solitary, terminal 1/2 inch puffy white flower appears in late spring and is followed by a bright red berry in late summer. The raspberry-like fruit is showy and looks like it is stuck to the leaflet junction.

This is not a plant likely to give instant gratification, but over time Goldenseal can form a very attractive dense colony in a shaded spot." (Sunlight Gardens)

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