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goldthread

Scientific Name: Coptis

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Goldthread (Coptis spp.)

Goldthread, also known as Canker Root, is a captivating plant with a rich history and potential considerations for your household.

Considerations for Pets

  • Goldthread is known for its bright gold, threadlike roots.
  • The plant is small and low-growing, which may make it accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Goldthread is known for its bright gold, threadlike roots.
  • The plant is small and low-growing, which may make it accessible to children.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant's common name, Goldthread, comes from its distinctive bright gold, threadlike roots.
  • Historically, Goldthread was among the herbs used by Rene Caisse in her Cancer Clinic.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese Goldthread Rhizome (Coptis chinensis) has been used for over 2500 years.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Coptis (genus)
  • Common Names: Goldthread, Canker Root, Mouth-root
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup or Crowfoot family)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Coptis is a genus of between 10-15 species of flowering plants.
  • Synonyms: Coptis trifolia (L.) Salisb. for Threeleaf Goldthread.
  • Examples of species include Coptis chinensis, Coptis deltoidea, Coptis teetoides, and Coptis trifolia ssp. groenlandica.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Goldthread is native to both Asia and North America.
  • It thrives in terrestrial wetlands, particularly in New England states such as Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
  • It prefers wet, mossy areas and cool coniferous forests.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Goldthread is a low, small, perennial plant.
  • It grows from a slender, golden, creeping rootstock.
  • It features basal, long-petioled, trifoliate, shiny evergreen leaves.

Traditional Uses

  • Goldthread has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
  • Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.

Further Information

  • WebMD provides patient medical information about Goldthread.
  • Lloyd's Drugs and Med. of N. A., Vol. I, Pl. 13 and Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 3 offer illustrations.
  • Ontario Wildflowers provides photos of Coptis trifolia.