How much sun does Western goldthread need?

Western goldthread grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Western goldthread bloom?

Western goldthread blooms in May and June.

Where is Western goldthread native?

Western goldthread (Coptis occidentalis) is native to ID, MT, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Western goldthread attract?

Western goldthread draws bees and flies.

Western goldthread

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Coptis occidentalis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Western goldthread (Coptis occidentalis) is a perennial forb native to ID, MT, WA. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown

Western goldthread (Coptis occidentalis) 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

3"–8" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

ID, MT, WA

Pollinators

bees, 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 458 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

North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains

Very low, creeping evergreen perennial with glossy three-lobed leaves and small starry white flowers held above the foliage on thin stalks in late spring, forming a mat in shaded, mossy coniferous forests. Bright yellow threadlike roots give the plant its name.

Growing Western goldthread

Grow Western goldthread in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 3 to 8 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Spring flowers offer nectar to small bees and flies in shaded forest understories.

Common questions

How much sun does Western goldthread need?: Western goldthread grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Western goldthread bloom?: Western goldthread blooms in May and June.
Where is Western goldthread native?: Western goldthread (Coptis occidentalis) is native to ID, MT, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Western goldthread attract?: Western goldthread draws bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Western 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