Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
biota:
Bloodroot
Bloodroot is a spring wildflower found in moist woodlands. Each flowering plant produces a single flower that rises on a stalk nestled within a scalloped leaf. The flowers have multiple white petals that persist for only a day or two before dropping. Soon the leaf unfurls and the terminal end of the flowering stalk begins to swell; it will produce a seed pod that eventually bursts open, thus scattering the seeds formerly held within. Each seed has a small edible "fringe" that ants relish, so that ants carrying these seeds back to their nests play an important role in spreading the plants. Bloodroot is common in appropriate habitat throughout Indiana.