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Native Plant Database

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Coptis trifolia (Threeleaf goldthread)
Smith, R.W.

Coptis trifolia (L.) Salisb.

Threeleaf goldthread, Three-leaf goldthread, Canker root

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonyms: Coptis groenlandica

USDA Symbol: COTR2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Small and slender, this woodland perennial bears a single flower at the end of a 6 in., leafless stalk. Each flower has four to seven, petal-like sepals tinged with purple on their outer surface, and numerous white stamens. Basal, evergreen leaves, divided into three leaflets, occur on long petioles.

The common name refers to the golden-yellow underground stem that both Native Americans and colonists chewed to treat mouth sores (hence another common name for the plant, Canker-root). It was also made into a tea for use as an eyewash.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AK , CT , IN , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , VT , WI , WV
Canada: MB , NB , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: Lab. to Man., s. to NJ, WV mts., n. OH & n. IN
Native Habitat: Mossy woods & swamps
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, cold, acid soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Propagation

Description: Sow seeds outside as soon as they are ripe. Seeds will germinate after one winter and flower after two. Propagation is also possible by root cuttings.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Coptis trifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Coptis trifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Coptis trifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-07-02
Research By: TWC Staff

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