In late spring a thick stalk with interesting maple shaped green leaves unfurls. The leaves have deep crinkles running through them. At the base of the top most leaf sits the solitary flower. The flower has no petals and does not stand out. The flower is comprised of the filaments which are cream in color and the anthers which are yellow. Really nothing to write home about.  The leaves are very attractive and highly textured. What is stunning though is the bright red berries that form in August. The plant grows in shade or dappled shade, and these berries are so bright red they have a way of making the plant stand out and illuminate the area.

The name goldenseal is derived from the color of the roots and rhizomes which are golden in color. Native Americans used goldenseal to make dyes. They also used this plant for medicinal purposes. People have over collected this plant in the wild. This is a pity as it is fairly easy to grow from seed. The seedlings are stout and easy to grow provided they are planted in the proper conditions. 

Goldenseal like a soil high in organic matter. Goldenseal grows in shade or dappled shade, quite often you will find it on inclines. Goldenseal spreads by rhizomes but seed sown when ripe and left out through the winter will germinate after 2 years. Most woodland plants require patience. Remove the seed form the pulp and sow where you want it to grow or in flats you can leave out through the winter.