Coptis laciniata A.Gray

Taxonomy and Common Name

Coptis laciniata A.Gray is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family, commonly called Oregon goldthread.

Native Range

It is native to Washington, Oregon, and northern California on the west coast of the United States.

Habitat

In this region, it grows in wet habitats in the understory of mountain and coastal coniferous forests.

Growth Habit

It is a small perennial herb that creeps through surrounding vegetation and leaf litter via a yellow stolon.

Leaf Structure

Its short stem bears a few leaves, which are divided into leaflets that are further subdivided into several toothed lobes.

Inflorescence Size

A stem-like inflorescence grows up to 19 centimeters tall from the plant's ground-level stem.

Flower Structure

Each flower is made up of an arrangement of thin, thread-like petals.

Fruit Arrangement

Six to 12 fruits develop on short stalks, arranged in a ring.

Fruit Characteristics

These fruits are shiny, hairless follicles, each roughly one centimeter long.