Common Name: Bloodroot

Scientific Name: Sanguinaria canadensis

Family: Papaveraceae

Habitat: Woodlands, Shaded slopes

Native: Yes

Life Cycle: Perennial, Ephemeral

Bloom Time: Spring

Height: Up to 8 inches

Light: Deep shade to partial shade

Soil: Moist, Well drained

Pollinators: Bees, Birds

Other: Highly Poisonous

Description: This native spring ephemeral, known as Bloodroot, is named after the bright red sap inside its rootstock. Bloodroot grows most abundantly in deep woodlands, on shaped slopes, or near streams and ponds. Beware! Although Bloodroot has historically been used for medicinal purposes, its rootstock is highly poisonous if ingested. This photo was taken at Creasey Mahan in the Woodland Garden.