Sanguinaria canadensis
Canada puccoon
A rhizomatous perennial with fleshy underground stems that exude red sap when cut. As the blue-grey leaves unfurl in spring, it bears white-petalled flowers with yellow anthers. Petals are sometimes pink or grey-flushed on the reverse. Leaves are rounded with scalloped edges
Other common names
bloodrootcornroot
see moreIndian paint
Red Indian paint
red puccoon
snakebite
sweet slumber
bloodwort
tetterwort
turmeric
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Blue Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Sanguinaria are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with kidney-shaped, lobed blue-green leaves and cup-shaped white flowers opening with the leaves in spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in sun or semi-shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil, such as a woodland garden
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or spring or by propagate by seed in autumn; germination can be erratic over the following 2 years
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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