Bloodroot’s pretty, brief bloom comes early
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is one of several strikingly lovely spring ephemerals that bloom only for a short time just after winter chill, but before the spring frenzy and summer heat. It is one of our first native plants to appear, an unusual scalloped leaf slowly unfurling as the flower develops. It grows on rich, forested floors among other iconic spring wildflowers including rue anemone, hepatica, dutchman’s breeches and cut-leaved toothwort.
The plants take full advantage of limited sunlight before trees flower, and set seed quickly before dormancy lay them to rest once again. Bloodroot belongs to the poppy family, Papaveraceae.
The genus name comes from the Latin word sanguis (blood) for the copious, acrid red-orange juice is found in the plant’s roots and stems; canadensis refers simply “of Canada.” It is a testament to rich Native-american history, part of Ohio’s remarkable plant diversity, and is perfect for shady gardens where it fills a special niche, cheerily reminding us that spring is upon us once again. Pair this plant with other shade-loving perennials, including hostas and ferns, to provide continuous interest in your woodland gardens.
Uses
Bloodroot’s red juices have been used as paint, dye for baskets and clothing, and the plant has a long history of medicinal use. At one time a substance from the plant was used commercially to combat oral plaque. However, it is not recommended for that use because toxicity has been reported.
Small bees, wasps and beetles visit the shortlived flower for nectar, and successful insect pollination or self-pollination results in a small capsule with two rows of seeds. Bloodroot and many of our spring wildflowers have developed a beneficial relationship with ants, which harvest a tasty and high-fat treat from the seed called an elaiosome.
The seed and its slug-like elaiosome are harvested and carried to ant colonies, and the ants then devour the nutritious appendage.
The leftover seed is discarded as waste, where it grows in nearly perfect conditions safe from hungry animals. Growing requirements
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Range: eastern and central North America
Height: 6- to 10-inches by 4- to 10-inches-wide, occasionally forming colonies
Growing conditions: The flower naturally occurs in shady woodlands throughout the state, especially along streams. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained, somewhat acidic soils.
Water: prefers regular watering and even moisture Sun: partial to full shade Foliage: 4- to 7-inch bluegreen, textured, heart-shaped and lobed leaves uniquely envelop each flower stalk. Leaves may persist into late summer with sufficient moisture, but will otherwise deteriorate as the plant goes dormant.
Flower: Bloodroot blooms from mid-march to midApril for about two weeks, its single flowers opening during the day when it’s sunny. Large 2-inch flowers are showy and fragrant, consisting of 8 to 16 brightwhite petals (or sometime pink-tinged) that surround bright-yellow cluster of stamens. Petals drop quickly.
Pests and disease: None serious, though the plant is susceptible to leaf blight and root rot if incorrectly planted. It is seldom bothered by herbivory.
Propagation: By seed in spring or rhizome (underground rootstock) division during dormancy. Cut sections into 3- to 4-inch sections with buds and plant. It is slow to establish. Wild plants should be left undisturbed, because development pressure, invasive plants, and unsavory collectors threaten populations.
Cultivars: Flowers with more petals or modified stamens may occur naturally in the wild and in some cases have been cultivated. One such sterile cultivar is called “Multiplex.”
Fun fact: The mutualistic relationship whereby ants harvest the lipid-rich elaiosome from seeds, which they inadvertently plant, is called myrmecochory. It is estimated that as many as 40 percent of our temperate woodland plants (mostly spring ephemerals such as bloodroot) rely on ants for seed dispersal.
Once a month, the OSU Extension Master Gardener’s Office of Franklin County profiles a plant that occurs naturally in central Ohio.