Squirrel-corn (Dicentra canadensis)

FAMILY: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)

FLOWERING PERIOD: Early April to early May

DESCRIPTION: Delicate, low growing perennial with highly dissected leaves arising from clusters of small yellow tubers that resemble a corn kernel coalesced into a bulb. Distinctive white heart-shaped flowers in a cluster dangle from an erect or leaning stem. Fruit is a capsule.

DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout Ohio except west central and northwest regions.

HABITAT: Rich, moist deciduous forest.

NOTES: Flowers emit a pleasant fragrance and bumblebees are common pollinators. Squirrel-corn blooms later than the more common Dutchman's-breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) and has darker bluish-green leaves. The two species can grow mixed. Fort Hill State Memorial in Highland County is a great place to see large colonies of this attractive spring wildflower.