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
Buy this plant
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 the UK
- 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
Get involved
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