One of the loveliest surprises in the garden this spring has been the appearance of Sanguinaria canadensis, or bloodroot. A native plant to the eastern United States, including Minnesota, bloodroot appears in early spring and has beautiful white flowers. The cultivar in the display and trial garden is a double flowering form, making it especially showy in the landscape.
The root in bloodroot has a red juice, hence the name. This juice was traditionally used as a dye and an insect repellant. Although sometimes touted as a medicinal plant, bloodroot is actually quite toxic. Currently, research is being conducted on the use of bloodroot in cancer treatment. It is known to be an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
Bloodroot grows best in a rich, moist but well-drained humusy soil. It prefers shaded areas, as you can see in the display garden. Bloodroot looks wonderful in a woodland or shade garden. It's beautiful white flowers will add a spark to the garden in early spring.
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