Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Papaveraceae family, native to Eastern North America. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Bloodroot in your garden →
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Bloodroot at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Bloodroot toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: rhizome, sap
Red sap contains sanguinarine: corrosive to skin, toxic if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bloodroot
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Bloodroot
- How far apart should I plant Bloodroot?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Bloodroot need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bloodroot need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bloodroot?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Bloodroot flower?
- From about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bloodroot poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Red sap contains sanguinarine: corrosive to skin, toxic if eaten.
- What grows well with Bloodroot?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bloodroot. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Spring ephemeral: each white flower lasts a day or two, wrapped in a single blue-grey leaf. Ants spread the seeds.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Field poppy Papaver rhoeas
- Bleeding heart Lamprocapnos spectabilis
- California poppy Eschscholzia californica
- Oriental poppy Papaver orientale
- Himalayan blue poppy Meconopsis betonicifolia
- Matilija poppy Romneya coulteri
- Arctic poppy Papaver radicatum
- Dutchman’s breeches Dicentra cucullaria