BLOODROOTBotanical Name: Sanguinaria canadensis
Plant Family: Poppy (Papaveraceae) Description: Each plant has a single flower and a single leaf growing on separate stalks. The leaf has a heart-shaped base and 5-7 lobes with scalloped margins; it can unfurl to nearly 10 inches in width. Before the leaf opens, it folds around the emerging flower stalk, which rises above the enclosing leaf to a height of 6-10 inches to display a yellow-centered blossom with many brilliant white petals. Stems and roots contain a reddish sap. Plant goes dormant by mid-summer. Growing Conditions: From part shade to full shade; moist to medium well-drained soil, rich in humus. Re-seeds to create a ground cover. Bloom Time: Early, Mar-May Bloom Color: White Benefit to pollinators/wildlife: Seeds are dispersed by ants that carry them away to feed on the nutritious fatty protuberances (eliasomes) that grow on the seed coats. Native Status: Native throughout the Eastern and Central US. Location in habitat: Woodland Garden |