Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Available from the new harvest only, starting in July and ending with cold-stored seed until the stock runs out.
Family: Ranunculaceae
Woodland herbaceous perennial. Native to the central and eastern hardwood forests of America, Goldenseal shoulders much responsibility for such an unassuming little plant, with its unpretentious flowers and its habit of avoiding humans. Tonic agent for treating any and all afflictions of the mucous membranes, including sinusitis and conjunctivitis. Goldenseal habitat is shrinking, and given the increasing demand from an ever more needy population of herb users, the plant is fast disappearing from our forests. Therefore, organic cultivation of this plant is a high priority. Cultivation: The seed was picked at the peak of ripeness and washed out of the fruit, then stored in moist sand. This conditioned seed must be planted into shady beds in the woods as soon as possible after receipt. Space rows 12 inches apart. Sow seed at approximately 3 inch spacing in the rows. Allow to grow close together for the first 2 years, then transplant over-crowded plants to achieve a final spacing of 6 inches between plants. The plants require 7 years to mature a full sized rhizome, but in the meantime you can use the renewably harvested leaves, picked in the late summer and dried, for the same indications as the root.
Organically Grown 50 seeds/pkt. (Fresh, undried seed delivered moist.  Sow immediately upon receipt.  If your ground is frozen, sow in a gallon pot, mulch well, and place outdoors or in a cold greenhouse.  Germination is in the following spring.)

Note:  Goldenseal seeds not available internationally due to CITES restrictions.