Dicentra cucullaria
Dutchman's Breeches
DESCRIPTION
Dutchman's Breeches
Dicentra cucullaria
- Plant listed for information only. Not currently being sold at Garden Centers
A relative of the Bleeding Heart, this plant has unique, fragrant flowers that look like breeches hanging upside down. They flower in early spring. The fern-like foliage is an attractive bluish green. Perfect for grouping in cool moist, shady areas, it will go dormant in hot summer weather.
BENEFITS
Fragrant white and yellow flowers bloom in early springPerfect for a woodland garden
The sweet nectar attracts early bees
Attracts butterflies and skippers
Attractive fern-like foliage turns light yellow before going dormant
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Found on humus-rich, acid to neutral soils. Tolerates limestone.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
Interesting Facts
The name Dutchman's Breeches comes from the shape of the flowers that look like a pair of breeches hung upside down.
GROWING TIPS
This is a spring ephemeral which usually disappears from the garden by early summer. Best naturalized in woodland, wildflower or native plant gardens.