Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn)
Squirrel Corn, Bicuculla canadensis, Dielytra canadensis
Native to eastern and central North America, Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn) is a clump-forming, tuberous perennial forming a ravishing clump of lacy, smooth blue-green, finely cut leaves. In mid to late spring, gracefully arching stems are adorned with terminal clusters of 4-8 fragrant, white, heart-shaped flowers, 1/2 in. long (1 cm). The blossoms dangle like porcelain earrings above the foliage. Squirrel Corn becomes dormant and dies down soon after flowering. It is a delightful early spring garden companion, adding ephemeral spring color and fragrance to the shade garden.
- Grows up to 8-12 in. tall and wide (20-30 cm). Tends to self-seed freely in ideal conditions.
- Thrives in part shade and is easily grown in humus-rich, consistently moist, preferably neutral to acid, well-drained soils. It is full shade tolerant but be aware that too much shade will result in few flowers.
- Great for shade gardens, woodland gardens, cottage gardens or as a groundcover.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails. Deer and rabbit resistant but attracts chipmunk and mice.
- Propagate by seed - sow seed as soon as ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have completely died down.
- Native to eastern and central North America.
- All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested in large quantities.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Dicentra - Bleeding Hearts |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Dicentra - Bleeding Hearts
By Virginia State Parks, Nature Serve, Flickr, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Dicentra - Bleeding Hearts |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) |
Height | 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Dicentra - Bleeding Hearts