Southern Indiana Wildflower Walks

Goldenseal: Hydrastis canadensis photographed at Spring Mill State Park The little white flower pictured here is Goldenseal, but it was the silk-like leaves of its neighboring plant that caught my eye. Do you know what the leaf is? Goldenseal has been used for centuries as a tonic, stimulant and astringent. The root of the goldenseal plant was boiled and used as treatment for skin diseases. It has been grown commercially for medicines, and unfortunately it is increasingly rare in Indiana woodlands because it has been extensively gathered. Sources: Wildflowers of Indiana Woodlands, by Sylvan T. Runkel and Alvin F. Bull. Copyright 1979, Iowa State University Press

All Feature Articles, artwork and photographs ©2001 by Dervish Design. Some information on the 'County Info' pages is taken directly from brochures published by Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce.