Family, Poppy. Sepals, 2. Petals, 8 to 12. Stamens, many. Pistil, 1. Fruit, an oblong, dry pod. Leaf, 1, from a short rootstock, rounded, deeply lobed. April and May.

This beautiful, snowy flower of early spring grows on a naked scape accompanied by a single large, round leaf, which infolds the bud and expands with the flower. Both come from a thick rootstock filled with a blood-red juice, which stains the hands picking the flower. There are many woods and low hillsides dotted with these pure flowers in their season, which alone are worth a trip from the city to see.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)