Botanically known as Dicentra cucullaria, the Dutchman’s breeches is from the fumitory family of plants. It is native to the United States and is a perennial flowering plant.
Dutchman’s Breeches Description
Growing up to 10 inches tall, this perennial has leaves that look like fern foliage. Leaves are in a basal form and create denseness in the plant. It has a bare flower stalk and nodding white flowers. They are fragrant and in clusters. Bloom season is between April and May.
Growing Guide
This can grow in any lighting with a moist soil nearly neutral in pH. It likes humus rich soil and tolerates limestone. Propagate by division or by seed. Seed should have two to three months of cold moist stratification before planting. Crown or tuber division should be done in the fall or the early spring.
Distribution
It is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in ravines and deciduous woods.
Warnings
Due to several isoquinolone alkaloids, the Dutchman’s breeches is a poisonous plant. It is toxic in large ingested quantities.
Coming from the Greek name for ‘two spurred’ it is meant for the double spurred flowers. It is a plant that gets pollinated by bumblebees because of the deepness of the nectar.
Source: NPIN