Right now Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is in bloom. One of the first spring flowers to bloom, Dutchman’s Breeches is a sure sign that spring is here. It is grouped into the beloved plant system known as Woodland Ephemerals. This plant will disappear completely by June.
Dutchman’s Breeches is a common plant of Oak woodlands that have not been disturbed. It attains a hieght up to 12 inches and is most common on North facing slopes but will grow on any aspect. It is found in a huge range from Canada to Georgia and from the eastern seaboard to the Dakotas. It is found in most of Illinois’ and Wisconsin’s counties.
Dutchman’s Breeches is subject to a process called myrmecochory, wich means its seeds are spread by ants. The ants are attracted to its elaiosome organ and take the seeds back to thier nest where they consume the elaiosome then leave the seed in thier nest debris. This provides great germination conditions for the seed. For this reason you can find this plant growing in some odd locations. I have seen this plant growing in landscaped mulch beds on the North side of homes.
This is a very attractive plant but has a short bloom time. It’s cousin, Dicentra spectabilis, is native to Asia and is a very popular shade-tolerant ornamental flower here in America, commonly known as Bleeding Heart. Notice that the above picture was taken on April 14th of 2006. After the hard winter of 07-08 Dutchman’s was just beggining to poke through the ground at that time this year.
Dynamic plants adjusting to dynamic midwestern weather.
http://www.missouriplants.com/Whitealt/Dicentra_cucullaria_page.html Great pictures
