Goldthread, Cankerroot, Coptis, Yellowroot
Coptis trifolia

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen plant. It grows 8-15 cm high. It forms low mats. The roots are slender and a golden colour. The leaves are shiny and have 3 leaflets. The flowers occur singly and are saucer shaped. They are white.

There are about 8 Coptis species. The yellow die from the roots is used as a tonic.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits cool, moist situations. It can grow in swamps. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Arctic, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Greenland, Iceland, Japan, North America (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The bitter roots have been eaten. They are also used to flavour beer. The plant is mixed with sassafras-root bark, and Irish moss and made into a herbal beer.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Coptis groenlandica;