Goldenseal in fruit. Leaves are large and wrinkled. There are usually 2 leaves on each forked branch, one leaf larger than the other, each rounded, with 5-7 double toothed lobes. A single terminal flower has three whitish sepals which is short lived. The fruit is a small red raspberry-like fruit.
Goldenseal is difficult to cultivate.
The plant grows in colonies and flowers in April and May. Individual plants have 1-2 leaves. Goldenseal was highly regarded by the Cherokee Indians as an external remedy for various complaints, and as a bitter digestive tonic. The Cherokees are credited with introducing the plant to the early American settlers. Numerous references to goldenseal began appearing as the medical profession took an interest in the herb and many reports of its use began to appear in medical writings as far back as 1820 when it was noted, that goldenseal should be given as a strong tea for indigestion. A 1833, review listed it as a remedy for heartburn and morning sickness.