Take 5: Bloodroot

One of the earliest native spring flowers to bloom is bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). Look for a single white flower, typically with eight petals, emerging from a protective leaf. The stem, leaves, and roots produce a blood-red sap. The seeds have oil-rich growths called elaiosomes that ants relish. The insects carry the seeds to their nests, helping spread bloodroot across the forest floor.

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Allison White

2012 Photo Contest Entry © Allison White

2010 Photo Contest Entry © Greg Pronevitz

2010 Photo Contest Entry © Greg Pronevitz

2010 Photo Contest Entry © Chris Buelow

2010 Photo Contest Entry © Chris Buelow

Bloodroot by Rene Laubach-640

© Rene Laubach/Mass Audubon

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Leslie Kenney

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Leslie Kenney

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About Hillary T.

Where: Mass Audubon Headquarters, Lincoln Who: Massachusetts transplant by way of Florida and New York. Raising two young girls, who she hopes will be budding naturalists Favorite part of the job: Learning something new every day from some of the smartest and most enthusiastic groups of people

3 thoughts on “Take 5: Bloodroot

  1. Alison Colby-Campbell

    Perfect timing I just saw these on Sunday in MIddleton MA and wondered what it was and now I know. Also wondered about this little yellow flower that has exterior petals similar to frilly dandelions but a different core.

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