HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS
Hydrastis canadensis L.,Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 1088 (1759). [HPI: I].
Warneria canadensis Mill.,Gard. Dict. ed. 8: s.p. (1768), nom. Superfl.
Perennial herbs, aromatic. Rhizomes with tough fibrous roots. Stems erect, unbranched, pubescent. Leaves: basal leaf often quickly deciduous; Cauline leaves, margins doubly serrate. Flowers pedunculate closely subtended by distalmost cauline leaf; Sepals not clawed, glabrous;Stamens strongly exserted, white showy, pistils carpellate; Stigma blipped. Berry aggregates, dark red.
Fruiting: Mar- April
Flowering: May-July
Altitude: 500-1200 m.
World Distribution: Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina.
Part used: Root.
Medicinal uses-
- Soothes the mucous membrane of the uterus, stomach, throat, etc.
- Effective for older individuals in improving muscular power, digestion, and reducing constipation
- Helpful for smallpox symptoms
- It has amoebicidal and antibacterial properties