More specifically, “dis” means twice and “kentron” means spur. Dicentra is Greek for 'double spurred', referring to the two recurved outer petals that form spurs. Stern in his treatment of Dicentra in Flora of North America, the Fumariaceae family consists of 19 genera and 450 species spaning North America and Eurasia. It is native to western North America, specifically to the northwest, blooming between March and June.Īccording to Kingsley R. They seem delicate but survive some harsh winters, probably due to the subsurface extensive rhizome system. They offer a delicate herbaceous reprieve to a hard-woody forest. It is no less than a pure joy to spot these along wooded forest trail.

The leaves are all basal and fern-like, with the outer most leaflets without hairs. The main stem is leafless (scapose) with 2-30 flowers sitting terminally at the top in drooping clusters. The six-petaled rose-purple flowers are heart shaped with the outer two petals reflexed resembling spurs. Pacific bleeding-heart ( Dicentra formosa) is a lush perennial herb rising up to 1.5 feet from stout elongate rhizomes.

Pacific Bleeding-Heart ( Dicentra formosa) Pacific Bleeding-Heart ( Dicentra formosa) in its natural habitat. Group of Pacific Bleeding-Hearts ( Dicentra formosa). States are colored green where the species may be found.Ĭlose up of the Pacific Bleeding-Heart ( Dicentra formosa)

Are bleeding hearts a wild flower