Coptis trifolia (Three-leaf Goldthread)
| Also known as: | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Coptis |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade, shade; moist mossy woods, conifer swamps, bogs |
| Bloom season: | May - June |
| Plant height: | 3 to 6 inches |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FACW MW: FACW NCNE: FACW |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/coptis-trifolia-17.jpg)
A single flower 3/8 to ½ inch across at the end of a long naked stem, with 5 to 7 white petal-like sepals that drop off early. Numerous white-tipped stamens surround bright green styles that are curled at the tip. Alternating with the sepals are golden yellow club-shaped petals that are shorter than the stamens, with a cup-shaped tip that holds nectar. A plant typically has 1 flowering stem but may have multiples.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/coptis-trifolia-21.jpg)
Leaves are evergreen, basal, palmately compound in groups of 3 at the end of a naked stem that is shorter than the flower stem. Leaflets are fan-shaped, up to 1 inch long, hairless, with notched tips or shallow lobes, small teeth around the tip half, a shiny surface, and a minute stalk. Stems are slender and hairless.
Fruit:
Fruit is a candelabra array of 4 to 7 pods, each about 1/3 inch long, generally elliptic with a long taper to a pointed tip, the beak mostly straight, and on a stalk about as long as the pod.
Notes:
This is an early and swift bloomer; the petal-like sepals do not last very long, making this species hard to catch at the right time. The common name Goldthread comes from its root system, which is thread-like and bright yellow.
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More photos
Goldthread plant in a pine forest
Goldthread plants hiding in the grass
Goldthread among the oak leaves
evergreen leaves in early spring
view from the side
more flowers
Goldthread plant in a pine forest
Goldthread plants hiding in the grass
Goldthread among the oak leaves
evergreen leaves in early spring
view from the side
more flowersPhotos by K. Chayka and Peter M. Dziuk, taken at Boot Lake SNA, Anoka County
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2014-06-05 08:56:13
May 31, at the base of a rotted stump in bog a few hundred feet inland from Lake Superior (on private cabin property) a first for me, will need to spend more time in the bog.
on: 2017-06-07 19:33:48
A few feet from the lake in shady area, near rotting log.
on: 2018-05-16 09:18:49
Guess I always thought these Goldenthread & the little flower that is blue and often in the same location, were the same flower? Have a lot of them in our woods in May. I always go looking for them! I just call them by the name May Flowers.
on: 2019-06-01 20:26:54
June 1, 2019, furthest part of Hiking Club trail. So dainty with the thread-like stem! First time for my husband and me.
on: 2021-12-25 20:54:14
First time seeing was in a Sherburne county SNA and a few other spots along wetlands so thought that was its habitat. Found 7/19/21 along Mt. Leveaux trail in Cook county nowhere near water.
on: 2023-05-17 14:02:11
I noted these tiny plants blooming on 5-17-23 along the edge of the path to Sundew Pond. Never saw them before!
on: 2024-01-15 15:12:55
When growing up in Red Lake, Northern Ontario I heard about and first picked Goldenthread Root (around 1972 when I was 17). I made a tea and gave it to my dad for a mild ulcer he had. I have picked it off and on over the decades. Likely gave it to at least 40 people who had ulcers. It cured everyone.
on: 2024-01-15 15:30:03
Cliff, I just want to mention we do not condone harvesting plants in the wild without permission from the landowner, regardless of whether that's a private or public entity.