Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman's breeches)

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Dicentra, Genus, cucullaria, Species,

Genus & species

Dutchman's breeches

Papaveraceae Eastern North America

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–7

Overview

Dicentra cucullaria is a spring ephemeral perennial growing 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall from a cluster of small pink-white teardrop-shaped tubers. The finely divided, fern-like leaves are gray-green, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, rising directly from the base on slender stalks. Arching flower stems carry rows of nodding white flowers, each 0.5-0.75 inch (12-19 mm) long with two inflated spurs that spread upward like an upside-down pair of pantaloons, tipped with yellow, from April to May. The flowers are pollinated mainly by early bumblebees. After flowering, the plant sets seed in small pods, and the foliage yellows and dies back by early summer, leaving the plant dormant until the next spring. Seeds carry a fleshy attachment that ants collect and disperse. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids that are toxic if eaten and can irritate skin. Plants spread slowly into small colonies in rich woodland soil.

Native Range

Native to eastern North America from Nova Scotia and Ontario south to Georgia, with a separate population in the Pacific Northwest. Grows in rich, moist deciduous woodlands, on rocky slopes and ledges, and along shaded streambanks.

Suggested Uses

Grown in woodland and shade gardens, native plant collections, and rock gardens, spaced 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) apart. Combines with other spring ephemerals and ferns under deciduous trees. Its early summer dormancy leaves gaps, so it pairs with later-emerging shade plants.

How to Identify

Identified by arching stems of nodding white flowers shaped like an inverted pair of pantaloons with two upward-spreading spurs tipped in yellow, above gray-green, finely divided fern-like foliage. Plants stand 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall. Distinguished from squirrel corn Dicentra canadensis by its pantaloon-shaped flowers with pointed spreading spurs rather than rounded heart-shaped flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'

Width/Spread6" - 9"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

gray green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Flowers: April–May

Spring

Flowers from April to May, opening with the first warm spell before the woodland canopy closes. Bloom on an individual plant lasts about 2-3 weeks. Flowering is earlier at low elevations in the south and later in northern and mountain sites.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white with yellow tips

Foliage Description

gray-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0 (Acidic to neutral)

3579

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained woodland soil. Water during dry spells through spring; once the foliage dies back in early summer, the dormant tubers tolerate drier soil. A layer of leaf litter keeps the roots cool and moist as the woodland warms. Foliage yellows and disappears by early summer, which is the normal dormant cycle and not a sign of poor health. Plants spread slowly and rarely need division; lift and separate tubers in late summer while dormant if wanted. All parts contain alkaloids that are toxic if eaten and can irritate skin on contact.

Pruning

No pruning is required. Allow the foliage to yellow and die back on its own in early summer so the tubers can store energy for the next year. Spent flower stems can be removed once bloom finishes.

Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans

Related Dicentra species