BIODIVERSITY GARDENING
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Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis 


 Bloodroot is a member of the Papaveraceae, or poppy family.  It has medicinal properties, and a fascinating evolutionary relationship with harvester ants.  Bloodroot seeds have a structure called an elaiosome that provides nutrition for the ants.  The ants in turn disperse and germinate the seeds.  Bloodroot is one of the first to flower in spring in southern Ontario, coming up through the leaf litter and providing food for early pollinators. 
Picture
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  • home
  • learn
    • What is Biodiversity?
    • What is Biodiversity Gardening?
    • What is Native Biodiversity?
    • Why Does Native Biodiversity Matter?
    • Resources
  • documentary
    • Introduction
    • Our Favorite Native Plants (All)
    • American Beech
    • Bloodroot
    • Blue Flag Iris
    • Hoptree
    • Ninebark
    • Animals and Fungi (All)
    • Boogie-Woogie Aphid
    • Black Swallowtail Butterfly
    • Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
    • Gray Tree Frog
    • Lichens
    • Milk Snake
  • about
    • Nina M. Zitani
    • Contact Us
  • blog