Go Native—Grow Native

Submitted by Betsy Washington, Northern Neck Chapter, Virginia Native Plant Society

Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis

Bloodroot is one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom in our area and is found in moist woodlands and flood plains. The flowers are relatively large and showy for such a diminutive, ground-hugging plant, with 8-10, crystalline-white petals that surround a burst of golden stamens. They are exceedingly beautiful but short-lived, often lasting only a few days.

Snow-white buds arise in mid-to-late March, enfolded by a heavily veined leaf. After the delicate petals have fallen, the leaves continue to expand and can…