Squirrel Corn and Dutchman’s Breeches
Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis) and Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) are in the same genus, and their leaves and flowers reflect this close relationship. Squirrel Corn’s flowers are more heart-shaped, and lack the upright, pointed spurs of Dutchman’s Breeches flowers. It is in these spurs that nectar is produced. Squirrel Corn gets its name from the clusters of yellow, kernel-like bulblets, or tubers, that form on its roots. Dutchman’s Breeches, at least to the person who named it, resembled pants worn by men in the Netherlands.
Hi Mary. In what kind of habitat might one find these 2 lovelies?
April 18, 2012 at 12:34 pm
I’ve usually found them in rich, deciduous woods — beech/maple often. Blue cohosh, trillium, wild ginger and spring beauty are often nearby.
April 18, 2012 at 11:41 pm
Coming to your website is like taking a vacation in the middle of my workday….
Thank you
April 18, 2012 at 1:47 pm
You couldn’t have said anything nicer, or made me feel any better than you just did! Thank you, Rita.
April 22, 2012 at 12:47 am
Do you know if these are closely related to the western bleeding hearts. The basic flower shape is similar and so is the foliage.
April 22, 2012 at 12:36 am
Yes, all three are in the same genus, Dicentra. Western Bleeding Heart is Dicentra formosa. Good eye!
April 22, 2012 at 12:44 am