Can anyone tell me where in the U.K. or E.U. sells Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) plants?
Thanks

Hi Trev

Poyntzfield Nurseries in the Black Isle have goldenseal plants for a reasonable price, good quality and deliver by mail order once or twice a week.

Arne Herbs near Bristol also carry the plant Tel 01275 333399
Limeburn Nurseries,
Limeburn Hill,
Chew Magna,
Bristol U.K.
BS40 8QW

Good luck in growing them. Mine always disappear after a couple of years!

Best wishes

Sarah

Thanks Sarah, we have lots

Thank you, Sarah!

Hi Sarah
Have you any thoughts as to why your plants disappear after 2 years? Are they growing in the wrong place (is it a woodland plant?), wrong soil, wrong conditions (too hot, cold wet, dry?), just reached their lifespan? Have you tried collecting the seeds and raising plants from seed? Have you harvested the roots i.e. can you just take part of the root to use, then replant the original plant?
Regards
Graham

Hi Graham

My plants are probably in the wrong place at the wrong time. My first few plants were planted in semi-shade but got overwhelmed by their neighbours. The next lot (6) came up two years running and then were overrun with aggressive Swiss mint and disappeared. Every time they did come up, they looked fine in spring and while they flowered and then looked very sick (leaves turning black) for the rest of the year. These were in the shade of two hawthorn trees in my garden. I never looked for seeds or even saw seed pods after the plants had flowered.

I do have some woodland and maybe should try again. The difficulty is that they would probably be eaten by rabbits, which is why I've tried to grow them in a relatively protected environment up until now.

I wanted to grow them both for the experience and to increase the number of plants growing since the species is endangered. I've never used the roots medicinally - that might happen if I get enough plants who last through to a reasonable maturity. In the mean time I stick to elder.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Sarah