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.
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.
Not certain it is a Bloodroot? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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