Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)
In Nature
Early spring is the time to explore local woodlands. In the early spring, our first pollinators emerge after a restful winter. Queen bumblebees depend on spring ephemerals like Dutchman’s Breeches for nectar. These delicate flowers feature feathery foliage and dainty pantaloon-looking flowers. Spring ephemerals bloom briefly before the tree canopy fills out. Once they’ve bloomed and gone to seed, they die back, lying dormant until the following spring.
In Gardens
Dutchman’s Breeches is related to the non-native garden stalwart Bleeding Heart, and can be sited in similar shady locations. Grow it with other early-emerging natives like Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) and Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) for a lush spring community under trees that have not yet leafed out. Later blooming woodland natives like Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) and White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) are ideal companions. These will flourish in summer, covering holes left by dormant spring ephemerals and taking their turn providing habitat for wildlife.
Woodland Habitat in Gardens
Conventional yards of isolated canopy trees surrounded by bare lawn can be transformed into rich, life-supporting woodland habitat by planting native understory trees, shrubs, perennials and ground cover plants below the dripline of mature trees.
Imagine a tree canopy as the roof of a house. A fine start, but we certainly appreciate the additional shelter and comfort of walls, floors, and furniture, not to mention nourishment from our kitchens and pantries. In the same way, birds, butterflies and other wildlife need layers of native vegetation under tree canopies to provide cover from predators, protection from weather, perches and nesting sites, plus insects, berries and other food for their young and themselves.
GET TO KNOW DUTCHMAN’S BREECHES:
Light Requirements: part-shade, shade
Soil Moisture: moist
Soil Description: neutral, rich, average
Height: 6″ to 8″
Bloom Time: March-May
Bloom Color: white, yellow, pink
