Double Bloodroot

One of the earliest spring flowers, bloodroot is a native plant of eastern North American woodlands. It makes an interesting and beautiful addition to a shade garden, and it's also very hardy. Pictured here is the double form of the species, Sanguinaria canadensis f. multiplex 'Plena'. The regular, single form is quite uncommon, and this form is fairly rare and prized by collectors. It is available though, if you know where to go.

Bloodroot gets both its common and its Latin name from the red liquid that oozes out of the rhizomes when they are cut. It's kind of a shame that such a pretty plant gets kind of a creepy name! These plants flower before the leaves unfurl. When the flower is essentially spent the leaf will unfurl. The leaves are somewhat similar to oak leaves; I'll post another photo when the leaf appears.

I have the single form as well, which has formed a nice clump in my garden. Unfortunately it hasn't flowered in several years and may be relocated in case a lack of light is causing the lack of flowers. The double form flowers each year but has not done much growing. Go figure! These like a rich, moist but well-drained soil and either half shade (morning sun, afternoon shade) or dappled shade all day. They grow about 4-6" (10-15cm) tall and (usually) spread to about a foot (30cm) wide.