Pacific bleeding heart, Dicentra formosa, also known as Western bleeding heart, is a delicate and pretty native plant that is easy to grow. It can be found during springtime in the Pacific Northwest, thriving in areas of partial to full shade in woodlands and along streams.
What Does it Look Like?
Bleeding heart is a member of the poppy family and has gray-green, fern-like leaves with drooping, heart-shaped purple or pink blooms. This perennial native plant flowers from early spring and into summer. As temperatures warm and the soil begins to dry out, the plant appears to die back, but its roots stay alive and the plant re-emerges in the spring. It prefers cool weather to hot, and can withstand cold winters.
When mature, bleeding heart measures 12 – 18 inches tall and 18 – 24 inches wide. The plant spreads from rhizomes underneath the soil and can take over small areas if not managed. Do not toss pulled plants into your compost pile. It can also spread from seed under the right conditions.
Why Should I Plant Bleeding Heart?
Pollinators love Pacific bleeding heart. The nectar-laden flowers provide food for hummingbirds and bumble bees. It’s foliage feeds caterpillars which turn into butterflies. It also supports syrphid flies – a beneficial insect whose larva consumes aphids. The plant attracts many birds. An added benefit? Deer do not seem to eat it!
Where Should I Plant It?
Plant bleeding heart from transplants or rhizomes in the late fall or early spring. While it looks “delicate,” this is a hardy plant when planted in the right place. It makes a great ground cover, especially in woodland gardens underneath shady trees. It does best in moist soil, rich with organic matter.
Unique Features
Native Americans used the rhizome to help ease toothache pain. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested. It is not typically dangerous unless consumed in significant quantities. The bitter taste usually prevents accidental poisoning.