Bloodroot

(Sanguinaria canadensis)

 

   

 

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Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.)

Identification: Flowers white, usually with 8 to 10 petals and yellow stamens and style. Stem tint with red and latex rusty orange-red. Leaves lobed with the base deeply indented. Plant arising from a rhizome. Plant 6 to 12 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America.

Habitat: Bloodroot is found in a variety of woods, but with a preference for moist, rich forest.

Flowering period: March to May.

Similar Species: The rusty orange-red sap, large white flowers, and early spring flowering are all distinctive features of Bloodroot.

 

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

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