Being a part of the Sanguinaria genus, Bloodroot is a perennial plant native to North America. It is also known as bloodwort, red puccoon root or pauson. Another name attributed to Bloodroot has been tetterwort but, in order to avoid misunderstandings, as the British people use it in order to refer to Greater Celandine, the term is no longer used.
The flower, produced from March to May, can reach a height between 20 and 50 centimeters and has 8 or 12 petals. The shape of the flower is similar to that of Daisies and the colors are identical: white petals with a yellow centered disc that has the role of reproduction.
As it produces benzylisoquinoline alkaloids the plant has a big degree of toxicity and even though it is possible for dears to feed on these plants the sap is toxic. Its effect over animals is, destroying their cells.
Bloodroot is not recommended as a medical cure. Even though it is said that Native Americans use to utilize it in medical purposes, professionals strongly advise those tempted to use this plant in order to cure some diseases, not to do it, because of the complications that appear.
The misunderstandings created by those less informed, mislead people in believing that Bloodroot does miracles when talking about cancer. Several cases have been reported and many imprudent wannabe doctors have been sent to jail for causing terrible wounds to those in look for a cancer cure. As a result, many women have been disfigured when using it as breast cancer cure, because of the burning effect it has on the human tissue.
In the United States of America, Bloodroot is used, in small amounts, in producing toothpaste even though it seems to be causing a disease called leukoplakia.
Even though the flower lasts from March to May, the leaves remain green after the flower dies and persist until late summer.
There two types of Bloodroot: those that are single-flowered, with 8 to 12 petals and those that are double-flowered, such as Sanguinaria Canadensis. The double-flowered Bloodroots are more popular between gardeners as the flowers seem to last longer than those of the single-flowered version.
Bloodroot Pictures Gallery
