Squirrel Corn

Dicentra canadensis

Papaveraceae

Growth Habit

Herbaceous

Propagation

Seed Treatment and Storage: give warm/moist then cold/moist stratification

Biocultural Value

Poisonous
Like its relative dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), all parts of squirrel corn are poisonous to cats, cattle, and humans because the plant synthesises isoquinoline, a type of neurotoxic alkaloid.

Wildlife Value

Squirrel corn flowers are pollinated by queen bumble bees (Bombus spp.) foraging for nectar. "Robber bees" also feed on the nectar by perforating the spurs. Seeds are dispersed by ants. Herbivores avoid the foliage.

Poisonous

Yes

Location

McDaniel Meadow, Woods, and Swamp, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area, Mundy Wildflower Garden

Cultivation

A 2-5" tall ephemeral with white flowers and delicate foliage.
Light: shade to part sun
Moisture and Soil: moist, rich soil

Special characteristics

This spring flower's underground tubers look like little kernels of yellow corn. Pollinators often make holes in the spurred flower to get the nectar more easily.

Climate Change Sensitivity

Over the period from 1986 to 2015, Dicentra canadensis bloomed an average of 3.4 days later.

Status

L4|S5|G5