March 23
Bloodroot
(Sanguinaria
canadensis)
These native
perennials are found blooming in rich woods as early as
February. The single leaf wraps the single flower stem and
bud until the bud spurts above the leaf and opens. The
bloom is usually about six inches high but the leaf can get
to be the size of a salad plate by the end of the summer.
The fallen petals in the painting tell you that the flower
is very fragile, losing petals within hours in wind or
rain. It is nice to have a wide flower pot planted with
Bloodroot. When they bloom you can put them in a protected
place, maybe near your front door. The blooms will last
longer and they can be enjoyed at close range. They will
continue to bloom in that pot each year if you keep the pot
outdoors under deciduous trees (partial sun in spring,
shade in summer). Hide the pot when Bloodroot’s leaves die
back for the winter. Don’t forget about it, though, or
you’ll miss the show of flowers in early
spring!
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