Bloodroot
Plant of the Week June 27, 2022
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
by Penny M. Johnson, Anoka County Master Gardener
Bloodroot, also known as Red Puccoon, is a perennial wildflower native to Eastern North America. A member of the Poppy family, it is part of a communal family of early spring blooming ephemerals that can be found brightening the landscape of nutrient-rich woodlands from March to May.
Bloodroot flower stalks (scapes) and leaves grow from a rhizome (underground stem). The 6-8” stalk emerges in early spring before tree canopies leaf out. It is wrapped within a palmate multi-lobed, grayish-green basal leaf. As the flower blooms, the leaf gradually unfurls, releasing it. The white 2” flower typically has 8 or more petals with a yellow center. It produces no nectar, but the pollen released by the flowers' bright yellow stamens is spread by small native bees (collecting it as a food source for their young) and flies. At night and on overcast days when pollinators are not active the flower will close, protecting its pollen.
Flowers are short-lived. If cross-pollination does not take place naturally, the flower has female and male parts and can self-pollinate. Pollinated flowers will lose their petals and form a vertical seed pod. At this time, the leaf continues to grow and can reach a foot high and 8-9” across, arching over the developing seed pod. By mid-summer, the colony of bloodroot leaves die-back and the 2-chambered seed pods have opened, scattering ripe, mahogany-colored seeds. Attached to the seeds is a fleshy organ called elaiosome. Ants will further disperse the seeds by bringing them back to their colony to feed on this nutritious substance and then discard them.
Bloodroot USDA hardiness is zones 3-8. In the home or woodland garden, bloodroot grows best in conditions similar to its natural woodland habitat: a semi-shaded site rich in organic matter, leaf litter, and moist well-drained soil. It can be grown by itself or with other shady native spring blooming plants, hostas, and ferns. It’s clump-forming and grows slowly but should be given enough space to allow for continued branching of its underground stem. Slugs and Botrytis (gray mold) may sometimes present a problem.
Bloodroot’s common and genus name is derived from the red color of its stem and blood-red color of the sap found within all parts of the plant; primarily concentrated within the rhizome and fibrous roots. The sap contains the alkaloid sanguinarine. This can be toxic to dogs and some livestock. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling as it stains easily and can cause skin irritation. The color and alkaloids are utilized medicinally and as a dye.
Bloodroot can be propagated from seed or root division. Division can be done after blooming or best, in the fall. Seeds require a seasonal stratification period for germination.
Variations can exist in size, leaf, or flower; sometimes double flowers or flowers with a subtle pink hue are produced. Please rely on proper sources, other than harvesting bloodroot from the wild, when looking to acquire this charming plant.
