Native Flowers and Assorted Flora of Southern Ontario

[Azure]

I've been taking pictures of some of the local flowers and plants, and decided that some might enjoy to see them. I think I will post a different plant each post to keep things organized. Most info will come either from my experience, or the book, Forest Plants of Central Ontario, by Chambers, Legasy, and Bentley.

Post #1: Bloodroot- Sanguinaria canadensis

Member of the poppy family. This used to be used to treat stomach cramps. The roots are poisonous, and the juice has been used as insect repellent. Aboriginal peoples used the juice for face decoration and and dye.

This is a very interesting plant. I undergoes something of a transformation through the spring and has hidden surprises.

The flowers are quite pretty: large for wildflowers, but plain, with very little leaves.



However, if you pick them, a red orange juice comes out....



....which kids like to use to trick their parents and others into thinking they've stabbed themselves or something interesting like that.



After the flowers pass, the leaves expand tremendously to about the size of saucers.

[Azure]

Post #2: Dutch Man's Breetches - Dicentra cucullaria

These are very delicate and pretty little things. The name comes from the shape as they look like pants put out to dry. I used to call them bleeding butterflies when I was little.

[norris]

The Dutch Mans Breetches has a very interesting flower, I really like it!