Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Papaveraceae
Botanical Name
Sanguinaria canadensis
Plant Common Name
Bloodroot
General Description
A familiar and beloved wildflower from rich woods of eastern and central North America, this early-blooming perennial is grown for its fleeting white flowers and handsome foliage.
Bloodroot's bold, lobed, blue-green leaves push from the ground in early spring, their parasol-shaped blades folded like a butterfly's wings. The delicate, snowy, eight-petaled blooms open atop short stems that emerge from the folded leaves. The flowers last only a few days, dropping their petals as the leaves unfurl. Double-flowered selections such as 'Plena' have somewhat longer-lasting, pompon-shaped blooms. Fleshy, erect, beak-shaped seed capsules follow the flowers, opening to release seeds that are harvested and dispersed by ants. The foliage persists through summer. All parts of the plant including the thick, spreading rhizomes contain blood-red sap.
This hardy perennial thrives and forms sizable clumps in partial sun and evenly moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Do not mulch it deeply. Use bloodroot in mixed borders and naturalistic woodland plantings.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
6"-10" / 15.2cm - 25.4cm
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Width
12"-16" / 30.5cm - 40.6cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, Texas, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
