BLOODROOT                                  WHITE

Sanguinaria Canadensis            April-May

Poppy Family

Flower:  1-1.5” wide

Plant:  6-10” high

    This is a solitary, pure white flower with a golden center, 8-10 petals and a smooth, leafless, orange stem.  Growing beside the flower stalk is a single bluish-green leaf, 4-7” long, with 5-9 lobes.  The leaf curls protectively around the bud until it blossoms, after which the leaf unfolds, reaching up to 8” in width.

 

    Large patches of Bloodroot are often found in rich woods and along stream banks.  The flower opens only in bright light and lasts but a short time.  The roots and stem have a reddish juice that was once used by Indians as a dye and warpaint.

All material Copyright Anne McGrath, 1981,2000

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Site design by Barbara Jo McGrath, 2008