Dutchman's Breeches

Plant Info

Also known as:
Scientific name:	Dicentra cucullaria
Family:	Fumitory (Fumariaceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	part sun, shade; rich woods
Bloom season:	spring
Plant height:	4 to 12 inches

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Detailed Information

Flower:

2 to 6 pairs of unusually shaped white flowers are in a spike-like raceme at the end of a naked stem that sprouts from the base of the plant. The raceme may be erect but often arches over. Individual flowers are ¾ inches long, hang down, with 2 opposing spurs that make it vaguely resemble a pair of upside down breeches, hence the common name. There are 2 pale yellow lobes at the base of the flower that open up like wings, revealing the sex organs. One plant has a single raceme of flowers.

Leaves:

Leaves are compound in groups of 3; each leaf has a brownish stem up to 6 inches long. Leaflets are up to 1¼ inch long and 1 inch wide, deeply divided into many segments, giving them a somewhat feathery appearance. A rosette of basal leaves surrounds the plant. Leaf color is grayish-green, but I think they look a bit bluish-green.

More photos

• a group of Dutchman's Breeches plants
• close-up of flowers

More white wildflowers. Photos taken at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids, MN April 2008

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?

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