One of North America’s all-time native wildflower favorites, beautiful Bloodroot, a member of the poppy family, rises in early spring with unique cigar-shaped rolled up leaves that eventually open into large, waterlily-like foliage. Then the magnificent pristine white flowers appear, from about 1 to 2" across, and literally light up the forest floor. This treasured native plant has been important for centuries, and takes its common name from the orangey red juice that oozes from the root when cut. This red pigment was used by Native Americans for face-paint, so this fact always adds interest to the species, especially for children. But to a gardener, it’s the richly textured large leaves and breathtaking flowers that make it special--pristine white beauties that are the essence of spring. Best of all, Bloodroot is quite easy to grow, as long as it is given a moist shaded situation and rich woodsy soil.
