Family:  Poppy (Papaveracea)

Hardy to Zone 4 to 9

(Red Puccoon, Indian Paint, Tetterwort)  Spring ephemeral perennial native to the Eastern hardwood forest biome in the US.  Plant prefers shade garden or shade of hardwoods.  Bloodroot thrives both in deep, rich soils but will also grow on limestone outcroppings.  Traditional usage (TWM): expectorant, antimitotic, wart removal.  Bloodroot is one of the earliest blooming of all forest plants, the leaves are deeply lobed, characteristic, and quite handsome.  The plant makes strong, low-lying patches that live on for centuries.  I’ve known plants for 2 decades and they have only gotten more vigorous, while my human body begins to slow with age!  The plants offered here are nicely sized up and should be planted to moist shade garden or woodlands in the early spring.  Mulch thickly, especially if frosts are yet likely.  It may be helpful to note that the bloodroot rhizome generally resides on the surface of the mineral soil and throws its feeder roots down and out.  Normally the rhizome is covered in moss or deep mulch.  If the plant is being set out when frosts are still imminent, then they should be well mulched with decomposed leaves.  Space plants 6 inches apart.  Check my book “Growing At-Risk Medicinal Herbs”  for more info on growing bloodroot.

Potted plant, Certified Organically Grown