Hydrastis is a perennial genus of 2 species in the Ranunculaceae family native to eastern Canada and United States, and Japan. It grows from a creeping, yellow, thick rhizome. There is some debate as to whether is belongs in its own family.
Hydrastis canadensis, commonly known in English as goldenseal, is a low perennial herb with a knotty, yellow rhizome from which arises a single leaf and an erect, hairy stem. It is native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It is found in shady woods and the edges of woodland on rich, moist soil. It is one of the most popular herbs on the market today. The rhizome was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat skin disorders, digestive problems, liver conditions, diarrhea, and eye irritations. The depicted illustration was published in "Köhler's Medizinalpflanzen" in 1897, it is public domain due to its age.
