Coptis trifolia

Common Names

Goldthread, Threeleaf Goldthread, Goldenthread, Goldenroot, Alaska Goldthread, Canker-root, Mouthroot, Savoyane, Savoyanne, Savoyana

Summary

Threeleaf goldthread is a small evergreen perennial native to subarctic regions of North America and northern Asia, growing as a creeping ground cover in damp bogs, northern hardwood forests, and wet woods. It features a slender bright yellow creeping rhizome, evergreen trifoliate leaves, and solitary white flowers on slender stalks; fruits are a dry pod array with small black seeds, and the plant forms dense mats reaching three to six inches in height.

Culture and practical considerations: thrives in light shade with moist humus rich, slightly acidic soil and a northerly aspect; propagation by seed (best sown in greenhouse in ericaceous compost with cold stratification beneficial) or division; disturbance-sensitive and declines after logging; fire tolerance is low. Uses include berberine as principal bitter constituent; traditional medicinal uses by Native Americans for mouth sores and digestive issues; yellow dye obtainable from leaves and stems.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-6 inches

Spread

4-6 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade

Soil Type

Light, moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil

Soil Drainage

Wet to mesic soils

Soil pH

Acidic to slightly acidic soil

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green; evergreen; no fall color change

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Rhizomes (vegetative propagation)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts pollinators, hover fly observed, attracts birds (ruffed grouse)