# 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.

- **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.

## About

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.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/f2714b17-2ee1-4dd5-be92-f1daa1d9fe84
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/51053
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicentra cucullaria
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/16316623/medium.jpeg (Ana Ka'ahanui, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.