I know I live in America, but has anyone reminded Indiana that this is not the arctic?? Â It is currently 6 degrees Fahrenheit outside and I am cooped up inside, much to my distaste, so I figure what a perfect time to look up and write about spring flowers! Â This week I am writing about a wildflower that grows readily in your garden and looks simply splendid in a wooded setting. Â The bloodroot with its simple white flower is a gentle reminder of warmer times yet to come.
Bloodroot gets its name from its red sap that resembles blood. Â It is best to wear gloves when handling bloodroot, as its sap can irritate or stain skin. Â Though today it is known that all parts of the plant are poisonous, medical usage was prevalent in the past. Â Today there are ongoing tests being done to research the plants possible benefits towards curing skin cancer.
Growing bloodroot is a simple task, try to replicate its natural wooded environment by planting it in moist, shaded spots in your yard. Â If growing in a location it likes it will colonize and provide you with many years of early spring blooms! Â You can spread bloodroot on your own as well by collecting its seeds and planting them in groups around your yard. Â This will need to be done in the spring when the seeds are still fresh and once planted they will bloom the following season.
Stay warm and thanks for reading!