Alphabetical Plant Listing

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

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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

Guides with Dicentra - Bleeding Hearts

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