How much sun does American Goldthread need?

American Goldthread grows best in part shade conditions.

When does American Goldthread bloom?

American Goldthread blooms in May and June.

Where is American Goldthread native?

American Goldthread (Coptis trifolia) is native to CT, IN, MA, MD and 12 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does American Goldthread attract?

American Goldthread draws beetles and flies.

Is American Goldthread HOA-friendly?

American Goldthread is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

American Goldthread

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Coptis trifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Goldthread (Coptis trifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–6" H × 3"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CT, IN, MA, MD and 12 more states

Pollinators

beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

American goldthread is a low-growing evergreen groundcover with distinctive three-lobed leaves and small white flowers in late spring. This shade-loving native thrives in moist, acidic soils and spreads slowly to form neat carpets under trees and shrubs.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Goldthread is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract beetles and flies during May and June blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does American Goldthread need?: American Goldthread grows best in part shade conditions.
When does American Goldthread bloom?: American Goldthread blooms in May and June.
Where is American Goldthread native?: American Goldthread (Coptis trifolia) is native to CT, IN, MA, MD and 12 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does American Goldthread attract?: American Goldthread draws beetles and flies.
Is American Goldthread HOA-friendly?: American Goldthread is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow American Goldthread? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz