The Growth of the Bloodroot
The Bloodroot is a perennial plant that grows in the spring and dies away in the autumn. It grows 6 to 14 inches in height, with a solitary leaf stem(Krochmal, 200).
In early spring -- between March and early May -- the bright white flowers of the bloodroot appear above the fallen leaves in the woodlands. As they open, their sepals fall away, but the 8 to 12 petals spread into a blossom 1.5-2 inches across. Each flower is accompanied by an enveloping leaf, which has not yet unfolded (Grimm, 111). Both the budded stalk and the plant's single leaf arise together. The Leaf is wrapped around the stem and bud. As the bud is ready to blossom, it pushes itself a bit higher so that when the petals open, they are still given a degree of protection by the enveloping leaf (Sanders, 100). Later, this 5 to 9 lobed and bluntly toothed leaf may become 6 or more inches in width, persisting until about mid-summer (Grimm, 111).
It is very important for the petals to be protected because the plants are so delicate that the blossoms might only last a day or two before a strong wind or heavy rain tears them apart. Because of this, the bloodroot has never evolved into a good garden plant (Sanders, 100).
However, there is a double variety of bloodroot whose blossoms are stronger and able to withhold more stress. This variety is called the "peony flower" or "double bloodroot" and labeled Sanguinaria canadensis multiplex or florepleno. All doubles sold today are the offspring of one freak bloodroot plant found in 1950 (Sanders, 100).
The bloodroot can live in a variety of soils, but perfers a moist, leafy soil, especially if it is on the slightly acidic or neutral side. Sun or partial shade will suit it equally well, providing that the soil does not try out severely during the summer (Grey-Wilson, 47).