Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensisBloodroot. What a name, eh? Sanguinaria canadensis has blood-red sap. (The “root” is actually a rhizome.) The sap has historically been used as a dye and for medicinal purposes. Sanguinaria canadensisThey emerge enveloped by the leaf, then shoot above this protective cloak before opening.
Sanguinaria canadensisLook for these on sunny days when they offer their pollen to early-spring fliers. At night and on overcast days, the flowers close.

Leave a comment