How to Grow and Care for Bleeding-Hearts

Dicentra eximia, or bleeding Heart, is also known as "wild bleeding heart". This pretty plant has fern-like leaves and clusters of small, pink heart-shaped flowers. It is native to the Appalachian mountains and makes an excellent addition to shade gardens. This plant is considered toxic if ingested.

Pacific bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) is a perennial plant that grows from 25 to 51 cm tall. It has attractive blue-green lacy foliage and blooms delicate pink flowers in late spring. Its heart-shaped flowers grow in clusters and if deadheaded will continue to bloom through summer. Pacific bleeding heart prefers damp soil with partial shade.

Dutchman's breeches gets its name from the shape of its flower petals. The petals form an upside-down “V” which resembles a pair of pants, or "britches." dutchman's breeches is found in the woods and blooms in early spring, making it some of the first food for bees and pollinators. It goes dormant towards the end of summer.

Squirrel Corn gets its common name from the small, yellow tubers growing from its roots that have the appearance of corn. This flowering plant is native to North America and features unique, heart-shaped flowers. Squirrel Corn, or Dicentra canadensis, blooms in spring and goes dormant for the summer.

The common name "Longhorn steer's head" comes from the plant's tiny, uniquely shaped flowers. Its genus name, Dicentra, also means "double-spurred." It grows at mid to high elevations, staying low to the gravelly soil to survive high winds. Longhorn steer's-head plants host the American Apollo butterfly's larval stage.