Sanguinaria canadensis
This lovely member of the Poppy family is a pleasant sight in the woods and and slopes of the state. The appearance of the Bloodroot fosters a feeling of spring as it is one of the first flowers to bloom in the otherwise barren forest.
The flower is bright white with 8-10 petals (occasionally 12) and are 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across. The pale, lobed leaves embrace the stalk and enlarge greatly after flowering time. Flowers are relatively short-lived and open in full sunlight and close at night. Plants reach a height of 10 inches (25 cm).
Bloodroot gets it's name from the fact that the root discharges a reddish-orange latex, that resembles blood, when broken. Flowers bloom in late March to early April.Note: Juice from the Bloodroot was used by Native Americans to dye clothing and baskets. It was also used in war paint and as an insect repellent.
