Sanguinaria canadensis

Common Names

Bloodroot, Bloodwort, Indian Paint, Puccoon, Red Puccoon

Summary

Bloodroot is a native eastern North American perennial forb in the Papaveraceae family. It is rhizomatous and forms large colonies on the forest floor, reaching about 6–10 inches tall with a single basal leaf that is palmately lobed and a solitary white flower with a yellow center on a separate stalk; stems and rhizomes exude a bright reddish-orange sap. Flowers bloom in early spring and close at night, while foliage persists into summer, providing distinctive blue-green leaves as a backdrop for the bloom. Cultivation favors moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils in part to full shade, and it spreads to form colonies. Propagation is by seed or rhizome division; seeds may require cold stratification and germination can be slow, with division possible in autumn or spring. Mulching year-round is recommended; handle with gloves due to the caustic, poisonous sap. Bloodroot carries historic value as a dye and in traditional medicine, and remains an ornamental woodland plant suitable for native plant and rock gardens in properly shaded landscapes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-23.5 inches

Spread

3-8 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun or partial shade, full sun not ideal, can be grown in full shade to partial shade

Soil Type

Humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter, pH 5.5–6.5, loamy or woodland soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

5-7

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring (late winter to early spring)

Foliage Color

Blue-Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth; 2–5 years to reach maturity or ultimate height; slowly spreading via rhizomes

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and flies