Sanguinaria canadensis

Description

A most beautiful spring ephemeral native to eastern North America, found thriving in large masses on a wooded slope across from our Fordhook Farm. Mint-green amoeboid-shaped foliage emerges in early spring from the leaf litter, folded together in pairs like praying hands, quickly followed with pure white broad-petaled up-facing flowers. Each flower lasts but a short few days, but the clean leaves grow in size, remaining attractive until midsummer. Leaves and stems exude a distinctive glistening orange-red sap that lends credence to its common name and was used as a dye by Native Americans. Establish in an organically-enriched, moist but well-drained soil.