I adore Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), one of the first woodland flowers to emerge in the spring. It is simply thrilling to see it ~ and it screams “SPRING IS FINALLY HERE!” I love how its single leaf looks like a hand caressing the stem and slowly opens up. The beautiful white flower tends to appear before the leaf unfurls.

The leaf gently protecting the plant.

When temperatures drop, the blossom closes to protect itself and help ensure pollination.

Ants and Bloodroot have a beautiful relationship. Ants help spread the seeds while Bloodroot nourishes the ants in the process. This process is called myrmecochory. The seeds have a fleshy organ called an elaiosome, which is an oily, fleshy coating that attracts ants. The ants take the seeds to their nest, eat the elaiosomes, and then put the seeds in their “compost pile.” It is the perfect place for the seeds to germinate and it’s a win-win situation. Life is good.