woodland wildflower

Threeleaf goldthread

Coptis trifolia

Also known as Three-leaf Goldthread, Canker Root

Native to the Northeast and the Midwest and southern Canada

Labrador to Manitoba, south to New Jersey, West Virginia mountains, northern Ohio and northern Indiana

In the garden

A woodland wildflower for full shade and evenly moist soil. At up to 6 in, it tucks into shade gardens and woodland edges. Hardy in USDA zones 2–7.

Light

Full sun Partial shade Full shade

Moisture

Dry Moist Wet

Find your zone:

Habitat: WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
Native range: The Northeast and the Midwest and southern CanadaUnited States (16): CT, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV. Canada (5): MB, NB, NS, ON, PE. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
Native distribution: Labrador to Manitoba, south to New Jersey, West Virginia mountains, northern Ohio and northern IndianaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.

Light: Full shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
Moisture: MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
Hardiness zones: USDA 2–7 · Canadian 0–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
Soil: Moist, cold, acid soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Soil texture: Light to heavy (sandy to clay)The soil grade it prefers, from sand to clay.
Soil pH: AcidicThe acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).

Height: up to 6 in (to 15 cm)Typical mature height.
Spread: ~2 ft (0.5 m)How wide one plant gets, a guide to spacing.
Life cycle: PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).