Summary
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is one of the earliest wildflowers to emerge in spring. Displayed upon 6″ tall stalks, each white-petaled flower blooms for only a few days. Blossoms open on sunny days to reveal bright yellow centers, before closing at night. Flower stalks are wrapped by a single blue-green basal leaf that unfurls as the flower opens and continues to grow after the flower fades. Foliage remains attractive until the plant goes dormant in summer.
This rhizomatous perennial develops large masses, thriving in the thin leaf litter layer of deciduous woodlands. The orange-red sap exuded from cut stems or rhizomes of bloodroot serves as the inspiration for its common name. To extend its season of interest, combine bloodroot with Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum), foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), rue-anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides), false rue-anemone (Enemion biternatum). Zones 3-8.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial - Sun/Shade Conditions
partial-to-full-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
early-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
blue-green - Fall Foliage Color
dormant - Fruit/Seed Color
green
Additional Information
Flora of North America, Illinois Wildflowers, Missouri Botanical Garden, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center