Overview
Hydrastis canadensis is a low woodland perennial reaching 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall, spreading by a knotted, bright yellow rhizome. A mature stem carries two palmate, deeply five- to seven-lobed leaves 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) wide with toothed margins. In mid spring a single flower opens above the upper leaf; it has no petals, showing instead a cluster of greenish-white stamens about 0.4 inch (1 cm) across that lasts only a few days. The flower gives way to a fleshy red berry-like head 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) wide resembling a raspberry, containing several hard black seeds. The rhizome and roots are golden-yellow inside and contain the alkaloids berberine and hydrastine, which are toxic in quantity. H. canadensis grows in rich, shaded hardwood forests across eastern North America, where decades of harvest for herbal use have reduced wild populations. It is listed under CITES Appendix II and is treated as at risk or vulnerable across much of its range. Plants are slow to establish and die back to the rhizome each fall.
Native Range
Hydrastis canadensis is native to eastern North America, from southern Ontario and Vermont west to Minnesota and south to Georgia and Arkansas. It grows in rich, moist deciduous woodland with deep leaf litter and dappled shade.Suggested Uses
Hydrastis canadensis is grown in woodland and native plant gardens and in shaded restoration plantings, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. It forms a low ground layer colony under deciduous trees over time. Cultivated plots also lower harvest pressure on wild populations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in mid spring, generally April to May, as the leaves expand. The single petalless flower shows a cluster of greenish-white stamens for only a few days. A red raspberry-like fruiting head ripens by midsummer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Hydrastis canadensis grows in part to full shade in rich, moist, well-drained woodland soil high in organic matter, with a pH from 5.5 to 6.5. It needs the cool, humid conditions of a deciduous forest understory and a winter chilling period to break dormancy. Plants are slow to establish from rhizome divisions or seed, often taking three to five years to reach flowering size. Steady moisture and a leaf-litter mulch support growth, while full sun and dry soil cause the foliage to scorch. The yellow rhizome and roots contain berberine and hydrastine, alkaloids that are toxic in quantity. Top growth dies back in fall and resprouts the following spring.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed for this low woodland perennial. Spent foliage is left to die back in fall, returning nutrients to the rhizome. Seed heads can be removed before they ripen if self-sowing is not wanted.Pruning Schedule
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