Sanguinaria Canadensis Bloodroot

Large delicate white flowers with yellow centers emerge in spring in rich woods and streambanks, often spreading to form a loose carpet. The unique deeply scalloped leaf unfurls from around the flower stem as it blooms repeatedly over about two weeks. The entire plant goes dormant by midsummer. The spots of bright white are eye-catching in the woods when little else is blooming yet. 

The common name, bloodroot was given because all parts of the plant produce a reddish sap when cut. Native Americans used the sap as a dye and an insect repellant.