squirrel corn
Dicentra canadensis
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 inches tall12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- White , pink
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Squirrel corn (Dicentra canadensis) is a perennial for shade gardens, borders, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. Fragrant pinkish-white heart-shaped flowers open in early to late spring above blue-gray, fern-like leaves. Plants go dormant after they bloom, so mark the spot.
Pairs well with Bloodroot, Foam flower, and Christmas fern.
Native range
CT, GA, IA, IL, and 21 more places. See all 25
CT, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, and WV; NS.