Blood root is a member of the Poppy Family (Papaveraceae). It is a very fragile spring flower that blooms from March to may, opening in full sun and closing at night.

Each plant produces a solitary white flower that rises from the curl of its leaf. The center of the flower is gold-orange. The plant only reaches a height of about 10 inches and the flower is very short lived. It is found in rich woodlands and along streams. These pictures were taken in deep forest in late March.

Blood Root gets its name from the red juice in the stem and root. This juice was used by the Native Americans as a dye for baskets, clothing and war pain. They also used it as an insect repellent.

The plant is found across Canada south to Florida and west to Eastern Texas.