Notes on the pollination and dispersal of Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensisL., in southwestern Ontario

Based on pollination experiments with seven plants, pollination is required for seed set in Goldenseal and there is at least a degree of self-compatib ility. Of 26 floral visitors, the primary pollinators were small polylectic bees, 6-7 mm long, referable to the genera Dialictus and Evylaeus. Syrphid flies as well as some larger bees, 8-10 mm long, including an Andrena sp., a Bombus sp., and Augochlora pura pura (Say), also serve as pollinators. F ruit was removed quickly and evidence suggests that Red-winged Blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus (L.)) can serve as effective dispersal agents. Although limited, these observations suggest that neither pollination nor dispersal are restrictive to population growth.