PlantFiles: Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis

It is not like me to dislike a plant, especially one that is a native and in need of protection and care, but this plant does not work in city gardens even if you do have a rather large back yard. It spread "like wild fire" and was difficult to dig up once settled. The bloody roots were interesting at first, but when we started to dig it up, I discovered how much the plant bothered my skin. This may be an unusual reaction though because I have a poor immune system.

If we had a much larger garden I would probably plant this again though. The leaves and blooms are pretty, just make sure it has lots and lots of space.

These lovely little flowers are such a welcome sight each spring. I find the foliage quite interesting too.

Last year, a knowledgeable botanist, Dr. James Duke (The Green Pharmacy), who lives nearby, told me that bloodroot is becoming rare in parts of Maryland where it should be thriving instead. The exact cause is unknown.

Additionally, to paraphrase & quote Norman C. Deno (Seed Germination Theory and Practice), even though seed sown in July developed 2" radicles, the seedlings "ultimately" died. Seedlings germinated with other techniques also died.

I am wondering whether there is any link between the above experiences of Drs. Duke and Deno. One thing that comes to mind is that I have read that many native woodland wildflowers are declining in America because of the effect of an invasive species of exotic earthworm on the woodland humus in which they need to germinate and grow. Because this earthworm eats faster than the native earthworm (which it is said to have replaced up to 95+%), humus produced by its digestive tract doesn't build up as much. This is why plants that don't need as much humus to grow in, like barberries, are replacing ferns.

The decline of wildflowers and ferns and increasing replacement of ferns with barberries in local woods has been painful to watch over the 30 years DH and I have been walking around here.

Be that as it may, I was tempted to send some seed from a naturalized colony of bloodroot in our garden to a DG member who had mentioned that she would like some, but now I think - given the above considerations and recent complications and rate increases at the post office* - that instead of sending her seed, I should send her some of the volunteer rhizomes scattered about our garden once they go dormant this summer. It would be a shame for this plant to die out some day - something to think about if you're considering sharing seed, but would like to help reverse increasing disappearances of this woodland wildflower.

*http://davesgarden.com/forums/p.php?pid=3514672

PS - On transplanting, like most plants that prefer to be moved during their dormant period, bloodroot is best moved after its leaves die back.

Always a welcomed sight to see in Spring!

This plant actually seems to prefer the areas where they get the most light, while staying in woodland shade. I have a nice sized colony on a upland area that gets morning sun for a few hours in early spring before trees leaves out.

In consistently moist conditions, Bloodroot will form dense colonies which are beautiful when the plant is in bloom.

This is a short, herbaceous perennial grown for it's blossoms in Spring. pokerboy.

This is the only species of the genus Sanguinaria. This plant is generally somewhat rare. It is known from areas that have been little disturbed usually on hills and mountains. A blood red juice can be extracted from the reddish orange root, actually a rhizome, hence the name Bloodroot. It has been used medicinally in the past, although it can be so toxic (even in small doses) that the FDA warns against using it as an herbal healer. It has also been used as a fabric dye.

The buds of bloodroot can be purple, yellow, white, or many shades of pink though all open to white flowers.

Bloodroot is a carefree plant that multiplies in size quickly and provides a nice carpet of white flowers in early spring. Blooms at the same time as toothwort, hepatica, wood poppies, and common purple yard violets. Can be planted around ferns (or hosta) with Virginia Bluebells to provide early season interest before the ferns (hosta) break ground.

This plant is native to eastern North America in woodlands. It is an herb, used for dyes. Use caution when disturbing the plant; it exudes an orange-red sap that is very long-lasting and difficult to remove from skin and clothing. Leaves of the wild species vary considerably in shape, color and diameter.

The flowers appear on short (2-3") stems in late winter/early spring and are very short-lived; they are very attractive to the few butterflies which are present at that time. Petals only open on sunny days, which helps preserve them a little longer: each flower usually only lasts 2-3 days. The leaf is present on the stalk under the flower as it opens, as the leaf unfolds the stalk elongates to 12-15" tall.

The seedpods ripen slowly, and when seeds are ripe splits to scatter the seed, which are attractive to ants who disseminate them; pods should be bagged to prevent seedloss.
This wildflower is protected in some states; check before gathering wild seeds.

Seeds very quickly lose viability and should be sown immediately after collecting. Plants may take 2-3 years before flowering size is attained; plants may take 2-3 years to re-establish after transplanting if roots are much disturbed.

Lack of moisture in the summer will cause them to prematurely retreat to dormancy, and may reduce next year's flowering. A very beautiful and desireable wildflower.