Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): Spring Ephemeral with Red Sap

Bloodroot: The Wildflower That Bleeds Red

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a captivating spring ephemeral native to eastern North American woodlands. Each plant produces a single, white, multi-petaled flower that emerges wrapped in a single, deeply lobed leaf. When cut, the rhizome exudes a bright orange-red sap, historically used as dye and medicine.

Botanical Profile

The flower opens in sunlight and closes at night, lasting only a few days. After flowering, the leaf expands to 6–12 inches across. The plant goes dormant by mid-summer. The red sap contains sanguinarine, an alkaloid with antimicrobial properties but also toxic.

Historical and Garden Uses

• Dye: Native Americans used sap for body paint, basket dye.
• Medicinal: Used for respiratory, skin conditions; now in some toothpaste (anti-plaque). Toxic if ingested.
• Woodland garden: Early spring jewel; pairs with ferns, trilliums.
• Pollinators: Early bees and flies visit flowers.

Plant rhizomes horizontally just below soil surface in fall. Part to full shade, moist, humus-rich soil. Do not disturb once established. Allow to naturalize. Hardy in USDA zones 3–8.