Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Papaveraceae · [VERIFY] · native
Last updated
Bloodroot is a low-growing, spring-ephemeral wildflower in the poppy family native to eastern North America. It reaches 4-8 inches tall with a single, large, deeply lobed gray-green leaf. The plant produces solitary, pristine white flowers with 8-12 petals that appear in early spring before the leaf fully expands.
Bloodroot prefers rich, moist woodland soil in dappled shade and tolerates deep shade. The rhizome contains a red-orange juice that has been used historically in dyes and folk medicine. The plant spreads slowly via rhizomes and self-seeds readily in suitable conditions. It is listed in CITES Appendix II due to overharvesting for medicinal use.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 19, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1342.9 to 1500.8 GDD₃₂. Bloodroot has passed beginning of flowering (577 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 19, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,501 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,465 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,441 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,415 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,390 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,381 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,343 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NOW | 577 | — |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 19, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 5, 2026, then climate normals.