Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a plant species native to eastern North America. In the wild its early spring blooms can be seen spreading across the forest floor or along riverbanks. Its common name comes from its reddish orange-sap, which can be made into a dye. Bloodroot seeds are often spread by ants who take them back to their nests.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Sanguinaria canadensis, bloodroot, is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant native to eastern North America. It is the only species in the genus Sanguinaria, included in the poppy family Papaveraceae, and is most closely related to Eomecon of eastern Asia.

Sanguinaria canadensis is sometimes known as Canada puccoon, bloodwort, redroot, red puccoon, and black paste. Plants are variable in leaf and flower shape, and have been separated as a different subspecies due to these variable shapes, indicating a highly variable species.

Bloodroot grows from 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20 in) tall. It has one large basal leaf, up to 25 cm (10 in) across, with five to seven lobes. The leaves and flowers sprout from a reddish rhizome with bright orange to red sap. The color of the sap is the reason for the genus name Sanguinaria, from Latin sanguinarius “bloody”. The rhizomes grow longer each year, and branch to form colonies. Plants start to bloom before the foliage unfolds in early spring. After blooming, the leaves unfurl to their full size. Plants go dormant in mid to late summer, later than some other spring ephemerals.

The flowers bloom from March to May depending on the region and climate. They have 8–12 delicate white petals, many yellow stamens, and two sepals below the petals, which fall off after the flowers open. Each flower stem is clasped by a leaf as it emerges from the ground. The flowers open when they are in sunlight and close at night. They are pollinated by small bees and flies. Seeds develop in green pods 4 to 6 cm (1+1⁄2 to 2+1⁄4 in) long, and ripen before the foliage goes dormant. The seeds are round and black to orange-red when ripe, and have white elaiosomes, which are eaten by ants. The Latin specific epithet canadensis means of Canada.

Toxicity

Bloodroot produces benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, primarily the toxin sanguinarine. The alkaloids are transported to and stored in the rhizome.

Sanguinarine kills animal cells by blocking the action of Na+/K+-ATPase transmembrane proteins. As a result, applying bloodroot to the skin may destroy tissue and lead to the formation of necrotic tissue, called an eschar. Bloodroot and its extracts are thus considered escharotic. Although applying escharotic agents (including bloodroot) to the skin is sometimes promoted as a pseudoscientific home treatment for skin cancer, these attempts can be severely disfiguring. Salves, most notably black salves, derived from bloodroot do not remove tumors. Microscopic tumor deposits may remain after visible tumor tissue is burned away, and case reports have shown that in such instances tumor has recurred and/or metastasized.

Internal use is not recommended. An overdose of bloodroot extract can cause vomiting and loss of consciousness.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight and Soil

Bloodroot is a perennial that thrives in woodland settings, preferring partial shade and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Watering

Originating from the moist, deciduous woodlands of North America, bloodroot thrives in environments that mimic the forest floor’s natural dampness. This species is drought-sensitive and prefers consistent moisture without being waterlogged. It requires watering every week to maintain its hydration needs. As a perennial herbaceous plant, bloodroot benefits significantly from being planted in rich, well-draining soil that retains some moisture to support its growth cycles. Given its preference for shady conditions and moderate temperatures, bloodroot is more commonly grown outdoors where it can receive dappled sunlight akin to its native habitat.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing bloodroot with balanced nutrition fertilizers supports robust growth and vibrant blooms. Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly in spring and summer, when bloodroot is actively growing. Use half the recommended strength to prevent root burn. Special care: avoid over-fertilization which can harm delicate foliage. As growth slows in fall, reduce feeding frequency. Practice caution with quantities; sparingly is key. Effective fertilization maintains the bloodroot’s vigor and flowering potential, pivotal for a thriving specimen.

Propagation

Bloodroot propagates best through sowing in spring, with a moderate difficulty level. Successful propagation signs include new shoots and healthy root growth. Ensure appropriate soil moisture and temperature conditions.

Transplanting

Bloodroot prospers best when transplanted in S1-S2, the cooler seasons, as it safely undergoes root establishment avoiding excessive heat. A planting position in well-drained, humus-rich soil with partial to full shade is advisable. While transplanting, handle with care to protect the fragile roots.

Repotting

Repot bloodroot in early spring every 2-3 years to accommodate its rhizomatous growth. This low-growing perennial benefits from a wider pot to allow room for horizontal spread. Post-repotting, place bloodroot in partial shade and maintain moist soil for optimal recovery. Avoid deep pots—health thrives with shallow, well-draining containers. Bloodroot is not overly demanding but appreciates careful handling of its delicate root system during repotting.

III. Uses and Benefits 

• Traditional medicine

Bloodroot was used historically by Native Americans for curative properties as an emetic, respiratory aid, and other treatments.

• Dietary supplement and warnings

Bloodroot extracts have also been promoted by some dietary supplement companies as a treatment or cure for cancer, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration listed some of these products among its “187 Fake Cancer ‘Cures’ Consumers Should Avoid”. Oral use of products containing bloodroot are strongly associated with the development of oral leukoplakia, which is a premalignant lesion that may develop into oral cancer, although one review disputed this finding. Viadent, a dental product containing bloodroot, was withdrawn from the North American market due to concerns about its potential to cause cancer.

• Commercial uses

Commercial uses of sanguinarine and bloodroot extract include dental hygiene products. Some animal food additives sold and distributed in Europe contain sanguinarine and chelerythrine.

• Plant dye

Bloodroot is a red natural dye used by Native American artists, especially among southeastern rivercane basketmakers. A break in the surface of the plant, especially the roots, reveals a reddish sap which can be used as a dye.