Diamon Naturals

Alaena Charlotte Diamon

alaena@diamon-naturals.us

Name: Coptis, from the Greek kopto (kopto), "to cut", referring to dissected leaves; trifolia, from the Latin tri "three", and foliatus, "having leaves", hence "having three leaves". Order Ranunculales, the Buttercups Family Ranunculaceae, the Buttercups, with Actaea (Baneberries), Anemone, Clematis, Delphinium (Larkspurs), Hepatica, Ranunculus (Buttercups), and Thalictrum (Meadow Rues). Genus Coptis, the Goldthreads. 

Common Names: Common Name, from fine, threadlike, golden yellow rhizomes that creep just beneath the surface of the ground. Alaska Goldthread, Canker Root, Common Goldthread, Trifoliate Goldthread, Coptis, Coptide, Goldenroot, Mouthroot, Anemone groenlandica, Chrusa borealis, Coptis groenlandica, Helleborus pumilus, Helleborus trifolius, Helleborus trilobus,Vegetable Gold, Yellow Snakeroot, savoyana, coptide trifoliolée.

Parts Used: Primarily the root, but also upper plant parts. When harvesting, take it from a relatively dry area. The rhizomes are generally spread through the forest debris, not the soil beneath, so they are highly vulnerable to damage. Gather from the edges of stands along a well-established foot trail. Grasp the plant at its base and gently pull up until no more than 3 inches of rhizome is exposed. Cut with sharp knife of scissors.

Description: A small, perennial, low-growing evergreen herb, 4" - 6" tall. Leaves dark, shiny, evergreen; divided like those of wild strawberries. Stems many; wiry, branched, and frequently matted. Rhizome long, slender creeping; bright golden yellow. Flowers 1/2" wide, white, grow at the end of leafless stems that extend away from base of plant, in early summer; One to three flowers have 5 to 8 narrow sepals and 5 to 7 narrow petals. When petals fall off, the remaining green sepals and subsequent fruits look like odd, green, star-shaped flowers. The hollow seed-bearing capsules spread apart at maturity.

Habitat: Common in old-growth coniferous forests, swamps, bogs, and road banks. Occurs in thickets, mossy places, cedar swamps, and in damp woods. Low light, cool, moist conditions on relatively infertile soils, which are poorly drained, acidic, with a deep, often not well decomposed, organic layer. Not tolerant of disturbance and disappears after logging, although it is not clear whether due to loss of canopy or mechanical damage to the roots. Intolerant of closed canopies but does require some shade, possibly because of its preference for moist sites. Commonly associated with cool, moist habitats on poor to moderately well drained soils at low to middle elevations, often in or near peatlands. Occurs in a number of plant associations but more often associated with coniferous canopies than with hardwoods. Usually associated with sites under or near Black Spruce (Picea mariana). Considered indicative of minerotrophic water (water that carries mineral nutrients into the peat) in peatlands. Not well adapted to fire, despite its rhizomatous habit; shallow rooted. Will survive cool fires, sprouting from the rhizome if top-killed, but the rhizome is sufficiently near the surface to be killed by moderate-severity fires. Removal of the overstory appears to have a negative effect on survival. Hardy to USDA Zone 3 (average minimum annual temperature -40ºF). Prefers cool, moist acidic soils (pH of 4.0 to 5.0) and bog-like conditions rich in humus. Grows in sun in far northern areas but does better in shade; will quickly cover ground if given a winter blanket of decayed leaves. Does not easily tolerate summer temperatures above 80°. Set nursery plants in the ground in the spring or fall, 6" - 12" apart. Mulch in winter with oak leaves, which should be partially removed in spring. Occasionally available by mail order from specialty suppliers.