Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal)

The bitter alkaloids of goldenseal have been used medicinally for centuries and it has been over-harvested almost to the point of extinction in our area. Each distinctive-looking plant has huge toothed leaves about a foot tall, a single flower in spring and a red berry in summer. Goldenseal is native to moist shady woods rich in organic matter. Deer will not eat it.

Photo attribution: James Steakley,