Eastern North American woodland perennial. Yellow rhizomes carry berberine — antimicrobial and astringent — and have been so heavily wild-harvested the species is now endangered.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–8 | −40 °C to −6.7 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–8 | −34 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–4 | −15 °C to 5 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Endangered in the wild — only cultivated sources should be used
- Slow growing — 4–5 years from planting to first root harvest; needs deep shade and forest-floor conditions
- Berberine has multiple drug interactions — diabetes medications, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants
- Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Goldenseal against your zones