Goldenseal
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Goldenseal |
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It
is used to treat a wide variety of disorders ranging from sore throats to cancer.
It is a native perennial that has been collected from the forests of the eastern
USA for generations. To meet the increasing demand and prevent further depletion
of native populations, goldenseal cultivation is being tested and encouraged.
Plants are grown from rootlets, rhizome divisions or scarified seed.
In its native range goldenseal grows in habitats similar to ginseng - moist, rich, deep-shaded woods. As a potential cash crop in woodland cultivation conditions it has several advantages over ginseng. It can be harvested in as little as 3-4 years compared with ginseng's 6 or more. It is easier to propagate and not subject to disease and pest problems that can encumber ginseng cultivation.
Dr. Janine Davis of the University of North Carolina's Department of Horticulture manages a goldseal research program which has generated a wealth of information and specific recommentations for successfully cultivating ginseng. (1) See http://ncherb.org
For further information: http://www.unl.edu/nac/afnotes/ff-5/ff-5.pdf(1) Davis, J.M., 1993. Goldenseal: Cultivation of a rare botanical. Hortscience 28(5):151.