No. 173. 
COPTIS TRIFOLIA. 
Class. Order. 
POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA. 
This plant was separated from Helleborus, 
from which it certainly differs widely, by Mr. 
Salisbury, who named it Coptis, which name, 
as it has also been followed by De Candolle, 
in his elaborate system, will probably be 
established. 
It is a native of the northern parts of Asia 
and America, according to Pursh, from 
Canada to Pennsylvania, in cedar swamps and 
mountain bogs. With us of course it is 
perfectly hardy: it seldom exceeds two 
inches in height, and retains its leaves, which 
are very glossy and neat, all winter. 
flowers are produced in the months of May 
or June. The plant is well adapted for 
a small pot, and thrives in rich peat soil. 
The roots are yellow and creeping, by which 
it is readily propagated. 
