Blood root

bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

This spring ephemeral grows in clumps along the edge of woodlands in New England early in spring. After flowering, it goes dormant and disappears by summer, until reappearing the following spring (if all goes well). Bloodroot opens up its leaves during daylight and closes in dark or shade (see below).

Bloodroot, partially open here, has a reddish sap inside, especially the root, which is an orangey rhizome. It sort of looks like a small turmeric root. A day or two after being pollinated its petals fall off.

If you stumble upon some, leave them where they are and enjoy them each year. They do not like to be cut or moved. Keep an eye out for them so you don’t step on them. They grow very low to the ground.

Blood Root