Photographer: Dorothy S. Long

The luminous flower of the Bloodroot appear in early spring, a treat for winter-weary eyes. .The plant has only basal leaves that can be as wide as 8"and deeply lobed.. The flower typically has 8 petals— four large and four smaller—but can have up to twelve and sometimes sixteen.

Its preferred habitat is in deep, rich woods, frequently on banks or slopes. The Bloodroot is the only species of the genus Sanguinaria and is considered a rare plant.. It is called Bloodroot because a blood red juice can be extracted from the reddish orange root,/rhizome.

Native Americans used the red juice was used as a fabric dye and body paint for warriors and young maidens. This is not a recommended procedure, as the juice is known to be flesh destroying. Native Americans, early settlers and herbalists have capitalized on this quality to treat certain skin conditions. Bloodroot juice is considered to be toxic.

Bloom time: April