Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Papaveraceae · [VERIFY] · introduced
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 May 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2172.5 to 2394 GDD₃₂. Bloodroot has passed beginning of flowering (577 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,394 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,373 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,332 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,295 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,259 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,256 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,173 | Beginning of flowering | — | — |
View full calendar (1 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 NOW | 577 | — |
Source: UMD phenology catalog (UMD: extension.umd.edu) About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 9, 2026, then climate normals.