Oregon goldthread facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Oregon goldthread
Scientific classification
Genus:	Coptis
Species:	laciniata

The Coptis laciniata is a small, interesting plant. It is also known as Oregon goldthread. This plant belongs to the buttercup family. You can find it growing in wet areas in the state of Washington, Oregon, and northern California.

Discovering Oregon Goldthread

Oregon goldthread grows naturally in the western United States. It likes to live in damp places. You can often find it in the shady parts of mountain and coastal forests. These are usually coniferous forests, which means they have trees like pines and firs.

What Does Oregon Goldthread Look Like?

This plant is a small perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and does not have a woody stem. It spreads out by using a yellow stolon. A stolon is like a creeping stem that grows along the ground. It helps the plant spread through other plants and fallen leaves.

The Oregon goldthread has only a few leaves on its short stem. These leaves are divided into smaller parts called leaflets. Each leaflet has several toothed edges, almost like tiny saw blades.

The Flowers and Fruits of Oregon Goldthread

The plant produces a flower stalk called an inflorescence. This stalk can grow up to 19 centimeters (about 7.5 inches) tall. It grows straight up from the ground level. Each flower has thin, threadlike petals. They look delicate and pretty.

After the flowers bloom, the plant produces fruits. There are usually six to twelve fruits on short stalks. They are arranged in a circle. These fruits are shiny and smooth. They are called follicles and are about one centimeter (less than half an inch) long.