Dutchman's breeches
Dicentra cucullaria
The seeds have a fleshy structure called an elaiosome that attracts ants, which carry the seeds to their nests, eat the nutrient-rich treat, and plant the seed.
- Scientific name
- Dicentra cucullaria
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Ranunculales › Papaveraceae › Dicentra
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Rich, damp deciduous woodlands and shaded slopes.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (photosynthesis, drawing nutrients from soil).
- Range
- Eastern North America, Pacific Northwest
- Size
- 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) tall
- Lifespan
- Perennial (tubers can persist for decades)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat loss, forest fragmentation, and competition from invasive plant species like garlic mustard.
- Safe to approach?
- Safe to observe closely. Do not ingest, as all parts contain toxic alkaloids that can cause trembling and salivation in animals. Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation upon contact; wash hands with soap and water if handled.
Dicentra cucullaria ( Dutchman's breeches ) is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to rich woods of eastern North America, with a disjunct population in the Columbia Basin.
Photo: Ana Ka'ahanui, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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