Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Height, Spread: 1-2 ft, 1-3 ft

Water/Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich humus

Light: Partial shade-Deep shade

Bloom: Spring, white flowers with 6-8 petals

Native Range: Eastern North America

Qualities: Attractive to pollinators, NC Native, Deer-resistant, Ephemeral 

Notes: Herbaceous perennial wildflower commonly found on rich forest slopes in the Mountains and the Piedmont in NC. Attracts native bees and flies for pollination and ants eat and distribute seeds. It is a spring ephemeral meaning it is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, providing necessary resources for pollinators. Its caustic sap was used by several Native American tribes in eastern North America to dye baskets and clothing. Spreading by rhizome it makes a great spring woodland groundcover for naturalized areas.