Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)

Native spring ephemeral • Woodland perennial • Early pollinator source

Sanguinaria canadensis, commonly called Bloodroot, is a beloved eastern woodland native that emerges very early in spring with pure white blooms followed by distinctive lobed foliage. A key nectar plant for early pollinators and a signature species of rich deciduous forests.

 Light

• Part shade to full shade
  
  

• Ideal under deciduous canopy
  
  

• Morning sun is fine in spring
  
  

• Summer shade protects dormant rhizomes
  
  

Avoid strong afternoon sun.

 Water

• Average moisture
  
  

• Prefers moist, humus-rich woodland soil
  
  

• Tolerates summer dryness once dormant
  
  

• Do not let soil completely dry in early spring
  
  

 Soil

• Rich, organic woodland soil
  
  

• Leaf mold, compost, and humus welcome
  
  

• Well-drained but moisture-retentive
  
  

• Avoid compacted or waterlogged clay
  
  

Hardiness

• USDA Zones 3–9
  
  

• Strong cold tolerance
  
  

• Thrives across eastern US woodlands
  
  

Blooming

• Very early spring, often March–April
  
  

• Pollinator resource before most plants leaf out
  
  

• Supports early-season native bees and flies
  
  

White flowers close on cloudy days, beautiful behavior.

 Growth Habit

• Low-growing spring ephemeral
  
  

• Dies back in summer heat
  
  

• Spreads by rhizomes slowly
  
  

• Forms elegant colonies over time
  
  

• Not aggressive, but charmingly colonial
  
  

 Planting Notes

• Plant rhizomes shallowly
  
  

• Mulch with shredded leaves
  
  

• Leave leaf litter for moisture and habitat
  
  

• Avoid disturbing established rhizomes
  
  

Spacing: 8–12 inches

 Best Landscape Uses

• Shade gardens
  
  

• Native woodland understory
  
  

• Spring wildflower borders
  
  

• Naturalistic forest plantings
  
  

• Moist shade pathways
  
  

• Pollinator-friendly woodland designs
  
  

 Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Trillium
  
  

• Heuchera
  
  

• Ferns
  
  

• Foamflower (Tiarella)
  
  

• Virginia bluebells (Mertensia)
  
  

• Woodland phlox
  
  

 Native Value

One of the earliest blooming woodland natives and a crucial nectar resource for emerging pollinators. Its ephemeral cycle supports forest ecosystems and spring wildlife dynamics.

⚠ Common Problems

Leaves disappearing in summer

Normal, plant is dormant.

Slow spread

Avoid disturbing rhizomes; allow natural leaf mulch.

Poor bloom

Needs early spring light or richer soil.