Species › Plants › Bloodroot

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

CommonPlant
Illustration of Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Safety note: Root contains toxic alkaloids; ingestion causes vomiting and can cause liver damage.

Bloodroot is a stunning spring ephemeral wildflower that emerges with its single white flower wrapped in a folded leaf like a blanket. The blood-red sap in the roots gives it its name and was used as face paint by many indigenous nations. The flowers last only a day or two but form a brief, brilliant spectacle on the forest floor in April.

Habitat
Rich moist deciduous forest slopes and ravines in eastern North America
Diet
Pollen collected by native bees; seeds dispersed by ants via elaiosomes
How common
Common

Best time to see a Bloodroot

The best time to see a Bloodroot is March–April, when about 73% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 83,554 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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