Coptis trifolia - Goldthread

Family:	Ranunculaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.15
Width:	0.5
Synonyms:	C. groenlandica. (Oeder.)Fern.
Range:	N. America, E. Asia - Japan.

Coptis trifolia (Goldthread) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.15m and a width of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 2.
Goldthread will flower in November. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Goldthread will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
Goldthread prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Coniferous woods and sphagnum moors[58]. Dark swamps and dense forests in N. America[213].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds

Cultivation Details

Requires a light moist humus-rich slightly acidic soil with a northerly aspect or light shade[1, 200]. A very ornamental plant[1]. The sub-species C. trifolia groenlandica (Syn C. groenlandica) is the form used medicinally in N. America[222].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
The whole plant is said to be eaten[105, 177], or it can be mixed with sassafras-root bark and Irish moss and brewed into a kind of herbal root beer[183]. This plant contributes a bitter flavour and a yellow colour to the beverage[183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

• Condiment - the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
Goldenthread is a very bitter tasting herb that was formerly highly valued and widely used in North America by the native Indians and white settlers alike, though it is little used in modern herbalism[254]. It was employed mainly to treat any soreness in the mouth[254]. The dried roots, stems and leaves are antiphlogistic, highly astringent, sedative, stomachic, tonic[4, 21, 46, 61, 207, 222]. The plant is valued as a local application in the treatment of thrush in children[4]. It is also used in the treatment of ulcerated mouths and as a gargle for sore throats or mouths[21, 46, 61, 207, 213]. It is said to be useful in the treatment of dyspepsia and helpful in combating the drink habit[4]. The plant contains the alkaloid 'berberine', which is a mild sedative[213], anti-inflammatory and antibacterial[222]. The root is collected in the autumn and dried for later use[213].

• Antibacterial - Kills bacteria.
• Antiinflammatory - Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
• Antiphlogistic - Reduces inflammation.
• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Sedative - Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
• Skin - Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
• Stomachic - Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in an ericaceous compost[164]. Seal the pot in a polythene bag until germination takes place, which is usually within 1 - 6 months at 10°c[164]. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible. Four weeks cold stratification may be beneficial[164]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in mid-autumn or in spring. Division in spring[200].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, it belongs to a family that contains many species that are mildly toxic and so it is wise to treat this plant with some caution.

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves and stems[207]. Can be grown as a ground cover plant in the peat garden[200].

• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.
• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.