Spring ephemeral. Seeds have fatty appendages (elaiosomes) which attract ants that disperse seeds. Flowers resemble upside-down Dutchman's breeches, hence the common name.
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Dutchman's Breeches
Genus species:
Dicentra cucullaria
Common Name:
Dutchman's Breeches
Family Name:
Fumariaceae
Annual, biennial, or perennial herbs; leaves alternate, highly dissected; flowers bisexual, highly irregular with at least one petal spurred or saccate at base, in racemes or panicles; fruit a capsule; all species should be considered poisonous.
Seed Type
Angiosperm
Origin:
Native: native to North America. Non-native: not native to North America. Introduced Native: native to North America, but not Rowe Woods.
* Definitions based on the USDA terminology
Native
Category:
Wildflower
Flower Color:
White None None
Identified by:
J.D. Mancini
Months in Bloom
The highlighted month(s) in this chart indicates the month(s) the plant has been observed blooming.