Dicentra cucullaria

Dicentra cucullaria Dutchman's breeches

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Graceful spring wildflower occurring in moist woodlands, rocky woods, and slopes growing to a height of 4 to 10 inches. Leaves are lacy, fern-like, and deeply cut. Flowers are white with yellow tips and droop from an arched stem. The shape of the flowers is reminiscent of that of breeches (pantaloons), thus the common name.

Habitat & Range

Grows in rich woods, rocky slopes, stream/river shores.

Present throughout the state.

Wetland code: Not classified

Phenology

Flowers April through May.

Characteristics

Inflorescence raceme; 4-12 hanging flowers

Leaves basal, twice compound, 2 per flowering stem; somewhat glaucous, 4-11″ long; each blade is divided into 3 highly dissected leaflets, each leaflet further divides into 3 subleaflets.

Stem (scape) glabrous, brownish; rise directly from tuber; up to 10 inches long

Fruit slender capsule; 0.4″ long; seeds glossy black, kidney-shaped, abt 2mm long

Height 4-10 inches

Plant Codes

S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)

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