Description
Sanguinaria – Bloodroot – Red Puccoon –
There is a sole species, of a rhizomatous flowering perennial, in the Papaveraceae family, in this genus. It naturally occurs in moist woodlands in Eastern North America. It is grown for its cup shaped,, white or pink tinted, 8-12 petal flowers, which emerge from between the vertically folded leaves as they unfurl, from March to April. S. canadensis is excellent for growing in a shaded site in a rock garden or wild or woodland garden. The rhizomes exude red sap when cut, giving rise to the common name, bloodroot. Deer feed on plants.
Grow in moderately fertile (prefers sandy soil but will tolerate clay), humus rich, moist but well drained soil in deep or partial shade. Thrives in part day sun where soils remain reliably moist. Divide after flowering..
Prone to Cercospora leaf spot.
S. canadensis – This rhizomatous perennial from Eastern North America grows 6″ tall and 12″ or more wide. It produces variably bluish gray green leaves, 6-12″’ across and 6″ wide when fully expanded, disappearing by late summer. Solitary, cup shaped, white, occasionally pink tinted flowers, to 3″ across with 8-12 petals and many yellow central anthers emerge in spring as the leaves unfold and last about 3 weeks.
Zones 3-9
