Sanguinaria canadensis

Ephemeral spring flower with delicate white petals emerging from the center of its curled leaf

Sanguinaria canadensis bloodroot

Add to MyPlants View Locations

Short-lived (ephemeral), fragile spring wildflower with a solitary cuplike white flower with yellow center. Leaf and flower each develop on separate stems arising from a branching rhizome, and the large, lobed leaf wraps around the flower bud until the flower opens and rises above the leaf. The plant juice is orange-red.

Habitat & Range

Common in rich woods, rocky slopes, roadside banks and floodplains. Prefers part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Present throughout the state, except a couple norther counties.

Range: From Quebec south to Florida and Texas and west to Kansas.

Wetland codes

EMP:	UPL
NCNE:	FACU

Phenology

Flowers April through early May. Blooming period is 4 to 6 weeks.

Characteristics

Flowers solitary, white (rarely pinkish), anthers golden-yellow

Leaves solitary, pale green, basal, shallow 3 to 9 lobes, broadly reniform, 8″ long 12″ wide at maturity

Flowering Stem glabrous, 2-6″

Rhizome orange-red, branching

Fruit narrowly elliptic, glabrous, 1-2″ long

Height 4 to 10″; spread 3-12 inches

Plant Codes

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

Comments

Have you spotted this plant in your area? We'd love to hear about your experience! Share your comments or questions about the plant below. Comments are moderated before posting.