| Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a forest herb endemic to eastern North America and popular in the herbal medicine industry. Habitat loss and harvest of the plant's roots contribute to its decline. Goldenseal is considered threatened in New York State. Sixteen populations were examined in 2004 for relationships between population size and habitat characteristics. Goldenseal occurs in New York State in previously unplowed, century-old forests. Goldenseal stem density and the abundance of invasive and disturbance-tolerant plants were negatively correlated, suggesting that goldenseal benefits from lack of disturbance. Only 3 of the 16 populations studied are both large and well-protected. Most populations studied are small, isolated, and located on disturbed sites. As range-peripheral populations, New York goldenseal may be particularly vulnerable to environmental stochasticity. Goldenseal should be considered a conservation priority in this state. |
