Dicentra cucullaria, Dutchmans Breeches


The little bit of sun Dicentra receives comes through the tree canopy.

Dicentra Cucullaria, Dutchman's Breeches is a delicate ephemeral of woodland throughout much of forested Minnesota. You might miss this April and May bloomer if you don't seek it out in our parks. Its fine, glaucous foliage is nearly as nice as the flowers that come shortly after. Plant these right after bloom and mark their location to be sure that you do not put a shovel through them. Leaves will yellow and be gone by the heat of June. 

Ephemeral companions could be Bellwort, Ramps, Rue Anemone, Trillium, or Bloodroot. Can be planted alongside Early Meadowrue, Lady Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Wild Ginger, various woodland sedges, and Zig Zag Goldenrod, Columbine, Wild Blue Phlox, and Woodland Geranium.

Shelterwood has these in propagation beds. I will offer only a few plants for sale each year and with a limit of one per customer.

Blooms: white blushed with pink and pale yellow, April into May
 
Height: 6 to 10 inches 
 
Conditions: shade to dappled shade (as trees leaf out), moist to medium soils 
 
Dutchman's Breeches' leaves under a spring rain