Water
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during its active growing season. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering once the foliage begins to yellow and die back in late spring or early summer.
Also known as Bloodwort · Puccoon · Puccoon Root
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is an early spring woodland wildflower native to eastern North America, prized for its delicate white flowers and medicinal history.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in dappled shade or partial shade, mimicking its native woodland habitat.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Prefers moist but well-drained soil; reduce watering as foliage dies back.
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9; prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frost.
Low
25% intensity
Minimal feeding required; enrich soil with compost annually.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant contain sanguinarine, an alkaloid that is toxic and can cause severe skin irritation, blistering, and internal damage if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during its active growing season. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering once the foliage begins to yellow and die back in late spring or early summer.
Deadheading spent flowers is generally unnecessary. Remove any yellowing or dead foliage in late spring or early summer as the plant enters dormancy. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and prevents disease.
Bloodroot can be propagated by division of its rhizomes in early spring or late summer/early autumn. Sow seeds as soon as they are ripe in a cold frame; germination can be erratic and may take several years.
Repotting is generally not required for established plants in the ground. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in late summer or early autumn, using a well-draining potting mix. Handle rhizomes gently.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Where Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Sanguinaria |
| Species | Sanguinaria canadensis |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data