What they do
Bloodroot adds early spring flowers that can help support pollinators when not much else is blooming.
Plant profile
Bloodroot
Species Sanguinaria canadensis
Bloodroot is a spring-blooming woodland wildflower with bright white flowers and a distinctive red-orange sap. It’s a great choice for shady gardens where you want early-season blooms for pollinators.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (herbaceous perennials) > Bloodroot
Aliases
Bloodroot
Native Range
Eastern North America
Bloom window
Early spring
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a woodland wildflower that shines in early spring. The flowers are bright white with a sunny yellow center, and they can be surprisingly short-lived—sometimes only a few days—especially if the weather turns warm.
In gardens, bloodroot does best when you copy the conditions of a forest floor: dappled light, rich soil, and steady moisture in spring. It’s a good plant for under deciduous trees, where it can bloom before the canopy fully leafs out.
For pollinators, early blooms matter because there are fewer flowers available at that time of year. Plant bloodroot as part of a mix of spring and summer bloomers so something is flowering across the seasons.
If you’re new to woodland plants, the biggest tip is simple: don’t panic when it disappears. Bloodroot is a spring ephemeral, meaning it may go dormant after flowering. Mark the spot and let it do its seasonal cycle.
Best role for pollinators
Shady gardens, woodland edges, and early-season pollinator support
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Bloodroot |
| Bloom window | Early spring |
| Typical height | Low-growing; typically under 1 foot tall |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Flies |
| Light & moisture | Part shade to shade; evenly moist, well-drained soil |
| Best roles for pollinators | Shady gardens, woodland edges, and early-season pollinator support |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
A shady, woodland-like spot with rich soil and steady moisture, especially in spring.
One best action
Plant it where it gets morning sun or dappled light and keep the soil from drying out while it’s actively growing.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Early spring flowers can offer nectar and pollen when pollinators are just getting active, and bloodroot is a classic woodland wildflower for shady gardens.
The plant’s name comes from its red-orange sap, which appears when the root is cut or broken.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Early blooms can be helpful for pollinators coming out in spring.
- Woodland wildflowers add seasonal variety and beauty to shady spaces.
- A small patch can make a noticeable difference in a garden bed or along a path.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Look for a bright white spring flower paired with a single, rounded leaf that unfurls as the bloom fades.
Leaves
A single leaf often wraps around the flower stalk at first, then unfurls into a rounded, lobed leaf with wavy edges.
Flowers
White flower with a yellow center; petals may be numerous and can drop quickly after blooming.
Fruits
A small seed pod forms after flowering; plants may spread slowly over time.
Gallery image
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Deciduous woodlands
- Woodland edges
- Rich, moist forest soils
Where it is often used
- Woodland garden beds
- Shady borders under deciduous trees
- Naturalized areas with spring interest
- Along paths where early blooms can be enjoyed up close
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Bloodroot blooms early, often before many garden perennials have fully emerged.
Bloom Season Role: Early-season nectar and pollen
Seasonal benefits
- Adds early color in shade
- Provides early-season floral resources
- Pairs well with other spring ephemerals and later shade perennials
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Dappled shade or part shade; avoid harsh, hot afternoon sun.
Soil type
Rich, humus-filled soil that drains well; leaf mold or compost helps mimic woodland conditions.
Moisture needs
Keep evenly moist during spring growth; once established, it can handle short dry spells better after it goes dormant.
Planting method
Plant in fall or early spring in a sheltered spot; give it room to form a small clump over time.
Mulching tips
Use a light layer of shredded leaves or compost to hold moisture and protect the soil—avoid piling mulch directly on crowns.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Choose a spot with dappled shade (under deciduous trees or on the north/east side of a building).
- Loosen the soil and mix in compost or leaf mold for a woodland feel.
- Plant nursery starts at the same depth they were growing in the pot, or set rhizomes according to the supplier’s directions.
- Water in gently and keep the soil evenly moist through spring.
- Mark the spot—bloodroot can go dormant after flowering, so it’s easy to forget where it is.
Seasonal care
- Water during dry spells in spring, especially the first year.
- Leave fallen leaves in place (or add shredded leaves) to feed the soil.
- Avoid frequent digging or dividing; let clumps settle in.
- After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally—this helps the plant store energy for next year.
- Skip pesticides; if pests show up, try hand-picking or physical barriers first.
What not to do
- Planting in full sun where the soil bakes dry.
- Letting the soil dry out during the short spring growth period.
- Assuming the plant died when it disappears after blooming.
- Using pesticides to deal with minor leaf damage.
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Trillium
- Virginia bluebells
- Wild ginger
Mid-Season Bloom
- Ferns
- Solomon’s seal
- Foamflower
Late-Season Bloom
- Astilbe
- Hosta
- Heuchera (coral bells)
Bloodroot is best admired and left undisturbed—handle roots gently and avoid breaking them when planting or weeding nearby.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few helpful terms you might see when planning a pollinator-friendly woodland garden:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.