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I found several of these growing in the forest garden area.
I opened a seed pod before they turned red, they are full of seeds.
But what are they? Food? Foe? Toxic?
[img]https://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww281/Ozark_Lady/100_2719_phixr.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww281/Ozark_Lady/100_2721_phixr.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww281/Ozark_Lady/100_2723_phixr.jpg[/img]

These are short understory plants, they tend to grow in clumps. But what are they?

That's Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis.

Hmm, I looked it up, looks like you are right as usual.

I looked but had no luck finding it.

I have seen the yellow roots, they were in the planting holes that I dug for transplanting, look funny so bright yellow. But, I hadn't associated the two, since hubby cleared the area before I even got over there. But I found these growing around the fringes.

I found it by searching [url=https://uswildflowers.com/wfquery.php?State=ALL]this site[/url].

goldenseal is nearly extinct in the ozarks and much of the US. it like ginseng was (is) dug (POACHED) to the point where is VERY hard to find in the wild. you must have found an undisturbed site. you have a real jewel there, please protect it. very nice photos, they are beatutiful.

Have some in my garden and love it. Such a little star in the shade border and it replicates quickly from root cuttings (just look for little plants a foot or so away from the mother). Not showy, just nice. Love the little red berry...

Supposedly good for the immune system... hence the poaching...

HG