Zone: 3-8
Height: .75' tall x .5' wide
Light Needs: Part shade to full shade
Herbaceous perennial that is native to Eastern and central North America with a showy white or pink tinged bloom from March to April. Best grown in moist, humusy, well-drained soils but tolerant of dry soil and drought. Naturally grows in rich woods and along streams and spreads over time in the wild to form large colonies on the forest floor. Flowers open up in sun but close at night, and are very short-lived (1-2 days). Leaves continue to grow in size after bloom (sometimes to as much as 9" across) and remain attractive until mid to late summer when the plant goes dormant. All parts of the plant exude a bright reddish-orange sap when cut, hence the common name. Sap was once used by Native Americans for dyes. Rootstock is caustic and poisonous if ingested, but has been used medicinally for its antiseptic and emetic properties. Best massed in shaded areas of woodland, wildflower, native plant or rock gardens where plants can be left alone and allowed to naturalize. Sometimes included in herb gardens because of medicinal properties.
Category: Perennials
