Squirrel Corn

Dicentra canadensis
 
This delicate woodland wildflower is a beautiful addition to any shady garden. It features a raceme of droopy, greenish-white heart-shaped flowers paired with deeply lobed leaves. Growing up to 1 foot tall on an exposed stem, this plant blooms in the spring between April and May, attracting pollinators. This wildflower prefers rich, moist forests and rocky outcrops, and it thrives in partial shade or fully shaded sites. It spreads via rhizomes and forms clumps, making it an excellent choice for creating an attractive ground cover. Its unique and attractive flowers and its preference for shaded growing conditions make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add visual interest to their landscape. It is often mistaken for Dutchman’s Breeches, another plant with similar-looking flowers and foliage. This plant is poisonous and can cause skin irritation, so care should be taken.