Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)

Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) is a rhizomatous perennial boasting solitary, brilliant white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with a showy bouquet of yellow stamens in early to mid-spring. The flowers usually have eight symmetrically arranged petals, but some forms have up to sixteen. The flowers open in the sun but remain closed on cloudy days and at night. They last only a few days, but additional flowers arise over two weeks. The charming blossoms appear as the blue-gray leaves unfurl. Emerging in spring, each flower stalk is wrapped by one palmate, deeply-scalloped basal leaf. As the flower blooms, the leaf unfurls. The foliage will remain attractive until mid to late summer when the plant goes dormant. All parts of the plant exude a red-orange sap when cut, hence the common name. Indians used the red sap as a dye for baskets, clothing, war paint, and insect repellent. Quite resilient, Sanguinaria canadensis spreads by running rhizomes to form a lovely carpet over time. It is perfectly suited to woodland gardens or any shady areas where it can be allowed to naturalize.

• Grows up to 6-10 in. tall (15-25 cm) and 3-6 in. wide (7-15 cm).
• Easily grown in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils in part shade or full shade.
• A welcomed addition to shaded gardens, rock gardens, naturalized areas, wild gardens, or woodland gardens. Perfect for plantings under perennials or shrubs.
• Sanguinaria canadensis combines well with other woodland wildflowers and ferns, hosta, and Virginia bluebells to provide early-season interest before the ferns and hostas emerge. Those plants will then cover up the bloodroot foliage in mid-summer when the plants go dormant.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Propagate by division in autumn or spring or by seed in autumn; germination can be erratic over the following 2 years.
• Native to eastern and central North America.