Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Nichole Ouellette
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Papaveraceae
- Genus:
- Sanguinaria
- Species:
- Sanguinaria canadensis
- USDA Symbol:
- SACA13
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 25 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
green cloverworm moth (Platynota idaeusalis), Southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, ants
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers woodland environments with organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification and are best sown fresh. Seeds have elaiosomes attractive to ants for dispersal.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Seeds require cold stratification before germination.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * hydrophilic