Bloodroot
Classification:
Family: Papaveraceae, poppy family
Genus species: Sanguinaria canadensis
Leaves:
One lobed leaf surrounds the flower stalk.
Flowers:
Flower is 1 inch wide, showy, with white petals and yellow reproductive parts. Flowers are pollinated by small bees and flies. Flowers are produced during early spring, in early to mid-April.
Fruit:
Fruit is an elongated green pod.
Seeds:
Seeds are round, black or orange-red in color. Seeds are dispersed by ants.
Roots:
Rhizome and stem contain orange-red sap, hence the name "bloodroot."
Common Uses and Interesting Facts:
Extracts from stem and root are toxic, contain alkaloids.
More Information:
The genus name, Sanguinaria, is from the Latin for "blood"
Photos:Bloodroot
Bloodroot flower
Bloodroot leaf
