Also known as: Sanguinaria canadensis. Poppy (Papaveraceae) Family.

Color Variations: White only.

Commentary: Bloodroot (not to be confused with Bloodwort) is among the earliest blooming wildflowers. This specemin was found with the protective leaf still wrapped around the solitary flower early in April. Once the flower blooms and is fertilized, the leaves greatly expand and form large, low patches. This plant is almost always found in colonies, which I have seen be up to 10 ft. across. Shown below is another bloodroot with the leaf beginning to open, taken the same day as the above photo.

Both Peattie (1930) and Pepoon (1927) report that Bloodroot is (was) becoming increasingly rare in our area. If sufficient precautions are taken, the bloodroot can be transplanted, but transplantation is difficult. I have found bloodroot near the old lake bed and near the swampy area of my neighborhood. It was in the largest colonies near the swamp and in individuals or small groups near the old lake bed.

Precautions & Uses: The whole plant is poisionus, so medicinal uses are external mostly. The root contains an orange-reddish dye, hence the name (though it resembles a banana in shape and color outside). Native Americans are said to have used the juice as an insect repellant, ringworm and rheumatism treatment, dye, and paint. Pioneers used it to treat bronchitis and asthma. For an excellent description, see Klimas & Cunningham (1974).

Soil Preferences: pH: 5.0-6.5

References: Klimas & Cunningham n22, Pepoon n820, Peattie 192, Wampler 5.

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