Squirrel Corn Plant

Squirrel Corn-Dicentra Canadensis

Squirrel Corn Plant is a beautiful herbaceous perennial plant that grows along the ground of most hardwood forests in the eastern US. The leaves are dark green and white to pale pink heart-shaped flowers bloom on low stems in the early spring, usually beginning in April and last through May. Squirrel Corn grows at a leisurely pace, allowing it to be used for edging and ground cover in landscaping because it will not quickly take over and strangle other plants. 

In the garden Squirrel Corn Plant generally grows about six inches high, though wild it may be up to 12 inches.

It is a pure plant to start in a cold frame, and the seedlings can then be transplanted in the spring. Care should be taken, however, to wear gloves while working with these plants. The leaves are known skin irritants. Squirrel Corn is a beautiful addition to any garden. Squirrel Corn is named for the root system of the plant that resembles an ear of corn. This root has been historically used as a medicinal tonic to treat the symptoms of such ravaging diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and syphilis. Squirrel Corn is the close cousin of D. cucullaria, a plant with similar characteristics. The flowers of the two plants, however, tell them apart. Where the flower of Squirrel Corn is heart-shaped, those of Dutchman's Breeches resemble those old time riding trousers. These plants commonly grow in the same regions and can often be found next to each other in the same beds. Between Squirrel Corn and Dutchman's Breeches, however, Squirrel Corn is the more rare plant.

Squirrel Corn is best planted with ferns and other ground plants to ensure that it does not receive too much sunlight.

An occupant of the eastern hardwood backwoods, Dicentra canadensis appears to incline toward rich soils with rough outcrops. The profound gorges and waterway valleys of Minnesota's southeast districts speak to the extraordinary northwest degree of Squirrel Corn's North American range. It is in no way, shape or form basic here. As per the DNR, it is currently most in danger from obtrusive species, night crawlers specifically, and was recorded as a Special Concern animal groups in 1984. Cultivators will right away perceive its family relationship to the bigger pink dying heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, once in the past Dicentra spectabilis) or, in other words Asia. It is additionally fundamentally the same as the local Dicentra cucullaria or Dutchman's breeches, with which it frequently develops one next to the other. The foliage is about indistinguishable however Dutchman's Breeches blossoms prior and its bloom is less heart-molded, yet like swelled pantaloons of Dutch custom.

Squirrel Corn plant can be used as a diuretic or a tonic.  This plant is used to treat syphilis and scrofula.  It has also been used to treat menstrual problems in women.  This plant needs to be used under the supervision of a professional herbalist or physician as it can cause skin irritation.Dicentra Canadensis is one of the most well-known wildflower plants in America. It could be seen in most of the places in America such as Parks gardens and backyards etc. If you are considering using this plant, however, are not sure if it is ideal for your needs this simple guide may be of some help.  This wildflower of midwestern and eastern North American woodlands which belongs to the family called Poppy. Leaves of this plants are alternately cut and divided into several narrow segments; pale below. Flowers are heart-shaped white and somewhat very pale pink and five inches long and hang upside down on a six to eight inch arching stem; two small curved spurs hang down.  This plant is one of the well-known wildflower plants of America. It gets it general name from the nodule-like yellow tubers which cluster next to the rootstock. The flower stalks and fernlike leaves spring from these yellow tubers. The two-lobed flowers is called tremulous look like those of D. spectabilis (the bleeding heart) to which it is related. This plant is grown as a ornamental plant. It gives a nice look to the garden or backyard. Choose Perennial Plants to Enjoy for Homes and Flower BedsThese perennials will look great in any flower garden.  They will add great beauty and color to your garden. Wildflowers are an excellent source to provide extra pollination to your garden. Flowers add life to any flower garden.  They look lovely and will attract butterflies for someone that loves to watch them.

Squirrel Corn Plant