Threeleaf Goldthread
Coptis trifolia
- Native to:
- Aleutian Is., Canada, Greenland, Japan, Kuril Is., Labrador, Prince Edward I., Russia, United States
iNaturalist: © alan_rockefeller (iNaturalist #184388306)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Coptis
- Species:
- Coptis trifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- COTR2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cool, shaded forest floors
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Germination can be erratic and slow; seeds require cold-moist stratification and may take up to a year to germinate.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Sow at 10°C. * hydrophilic, plant in peat based medium