in botany: A genus of the digynia order, belonging to the decandra class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 13th order, Succulentae. The capsule is bilocular, birefracted, and... Hydrastis and cut round, or parting horizontally. There is but one species, viz. the arborefens, a native of North America, from whence it hath lately been brought to Europe, and is preferred in gardens, more for the sake of variety than beauty. It rises about three feet high; and hath many soft pithy stalks, garnished with two oblong heart-shaped leaves placed opposite. The flowers are produced at the top of the stalks in a corymbus. They are white, composed of five petals with ten stamens surrounding the style. It is easily propagated by parting the roots; the best time for which is the end of October. The plants thrive best in a moist soil, and require to be sheltered from severe frosts.

HYDRASTIS, in botany: A genus of the polygamia order, belonging to the polyandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking with those of which the order is doubtful. There is neither calyx nor nectarium; there are three petals; and the berry is composed of monoecious acini.