Dicentra cucullaria
Dutchman's breeches
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread6" - 9"
Colors
Bloom Information
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 tipsFoliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
