A. Sinclair et al., Notes on the pollination and dispersal of Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensisL., in southwestern Ontario, CAN FIELD-N, 114(3), 2000, pp. 499-501
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.