Spleenwortleaf Goldthread Plant Care
Coptis asplenifolia Salisb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Coptis aspleniifolia, commonly known as fernleaf goldthread or spleenwort-leaf goldthread, is found in the northern two-thirds of British Columbia, in Alaska, and along the Cascades into Washington and is a native plant of the temperate rain forests of the region. It is often found in the understory of the herb layer of coniferous forests as part of a multilayered canopy system on gleysolic or organic soils.
Every 3–5 days
Partial to full shade
50–70°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Plant Spleenwortleaf Goldthread in partial to full shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 3–5 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spleenwortleaf Goldthread Native To?
What Is the Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread (Coptis asplenifolia) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Coptis genus. Spleenwortleaf Goldthread is native to the northern two-thirds of British Columbia, in Alaska, and along the Cascades into Washington.
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Spleenwortleaf Goldthread produces small, white, star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Water a young or newly planted Spleenwortleaf Goldthread every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Spleenwortleaf Goldthread Need?
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Spleenwortleaf Goldthread in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spleenwortleaf Goldthread Prefer?
Coptis asplenifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–70°F. Spleenwortleaf Goldthread prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Moist, well-draining woodland soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Spleenwortleaf Goldthread to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Feed Spleenwortleaf Goldthread every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, well-draining woodland soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Prune Spleenwortleaf Goldthread while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Spleenwortleaf Goldthread in Winter?
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lobedleaf goldthread plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spleenwortleaf Goldthread Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spleenwortleaf Goldthread, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Spleenwortleaf Goldthread?
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Spleenwortleaf Goldthread Need?
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spleenwortleaf Goldthread is native to the northern two-thirds of British Columbia, in Alaska, and along the Cascades into Washington. In cooler regions, grow Spleenwortleaf Goldthread as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Coptis genus — compare its care with other Coptis species on PlantoScan.
Coptis is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Spleenwortleaf Goldthread copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Coptis Species
Other Coptis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Coptis asplenifolia Salisb., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 8: 306 (1807)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spleenwortleaf Goldthread, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
