Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis
( Sanguinaria canadensis ) aka Red Puccoon Bloom Time: Spring (March – May) Location: one of the spring ephemerals, and prefer moist woods, thickets and are often found on floodplains or near streams. Found throughout Minnesota (general). Found throughout the wooded areas, particularly in the floodplain near Goodhue Hall and the slopes next to Postage Stamp Prairie (Arb). Family: Poppy (Papaveraceae) Physical Description: a single flower on a leafless stem possessing 8-10 white petals. In the center is a dense cluster of yellow stamens. Leaves grow at the base and only reach their full extent after the bloom passes (after about 2 days), and remain visible late into the spring. Grows to be 6-10 in. tall. When broken, its stem will bleed a vibrantly red, toxic juice, giving the plant its common name. NOTE: the juice of this plant is considered toxic. It possesses an alkaloid called sanguinarine, which if consumed or applied topically inhibits the functioning of the sodium-potassium pump.