Name: Dicentra canadensis	Description: Family: Poppy (Papaveraceae) Growth Form: Perennial from yellow, kernel-like tubers. Stems: No leaf-bearing stems present. Leaves: Basal, very delicately divided, smooth Flower Arrangement: Racemes on a leafless stalk up to 12 inches long. Flowers: Up to 2/3-inch long, up to 3/4-inch broad, nodding, fragrant, on short stalks. Petals: 4 in 2 pairs, white to yellowish-white, with rounded spurs at the base. Stamens: 6, included within the petals. Pistil: Ovary superior, stigma 2-parted. Fruits: Oblong to linear, smooth, splitting down 2 sides, to 1 inch long, with several seeds.	Discussion:The time of flowering for the Squirrel Corn is from late March to mid-May. This plant contains an alkaloid poisonous to cattle. In addition to being related to the Dutchman's breeches, this plant is closely related to the cultivated bleeding heart.
Image:	Location: Habitat: Rich woods. Range: Throughout the state.	Waypoint:  N 38 degrees 34.755 minutes W 89 degrees 04.146 minutes Elevation 475 feet

© Copyright 2004, Odin Public School #700, all rights reserved.
Photos courtesy: Odin Tech Prep Team 2004
Project courtesy: Grant Arnold, Deniz Hawley, Kristen Minor, Brian Deadmond

Home Page