468 MANUAL OF POISONOUS PLANTS 



ing to Fred Stearns, the rhizome has purgative properties. This, according to 

 Mr. Lloyd, may be somewhat overdrawn. Prof. Sayre states that it is a violent 

 purgative, irritant and emetic. The berries are known to be somewhat poisonous. 



9. Hydrastis Ellis. Yellow Puccoon 



A low perennial herb with knotted yellow rootstock, and a single root; 

 stem bearing 2 leaves near the summit ; flowers large, greenish-white ; 3 sepals, 

 petal-like, soon falling; petals none; pistils 12 or more; 2-ovuled ; fruit 1 to 2- 

 seeded berry, crimson in color. A genus of 2 species 



Hydrastis canadensis L. Golden Seal. Yellow Puccoon 



Rootstock 1 and 2 inches long, knotted; berries numerous, small; fibrous 

 root, roots and rootstocks yellow in color; leaves pubescent, palmately 3-5-lobed; 

 calyx petal-like. 



Distribution. From New York to Southern Michigan, Southern Wisconsin 

 and Eastern Iowa to Arkansas to Northern Georgia. 



Poisonous properties, also medicinal properties. The plant contains the 

 alkaloid berberin C 00 H 17 NO 4 , and hydrastin C 01 H 01 NO 6 , a so-called alkaloid, 

 but which, according to Mr. Lloyd, cannot be considered in the pure condition; 

 also canadin C 0() H 01 NO 4 and xanthopuccin; it also contains a fixed oil of a 

 disagreeable odor and taste, and a black resinous substance. It produces ulcera- 

 tion and catarrhal inflammation of the mucous surfaces. The plant acts very 

 similarly to Cimicifuga. The Lloyds have given an extended account of the 

 anatomy, structure and therapeutical properties of this plant. The alkaloid 

 berberin C OQ H 17 NO 4 is identical with the substance found in the barberry, ac- 

 cording to Prof. Power. 



Fig. 239. Golden Seal (Hydrastis 

 canadensis}. The rootstocks of this 

 plant as well as the stem and leaves 

 contain more or less acrid substances. 

 (Charlotte M. King). 



