woodland wildflower
Squirrel corn
Dicentra canadensis
1 of 2Native to much of the USA and southern Canada
Quebec and Nova Scotia to Minnesota, south to Georgia, Tennessee and Missouri
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moist Moisture preference
- Zones 3–8 Cold to heat range
- Bloom Apr–May Flowering time
- Height up to 10 in to 25 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for partial shade and evenly moist soil. Its white and pink flowers peak in April. At up to 10 in, it tucks into shade gardens and woodland edges. Hardy in USDA zones 3–8.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Hardiness zones
Find your zone:
When it blooms
The Squirrel corn's white and pink flowers bloom April to May, peaking in April. This early-spring ephemeral draws bees and butterflies.
Squirrel corn blooms white & pinkFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Brown-belted Bumble Bee
also Western Honey Bee, Two-spotted Bumble Bee, Black-and-gold Bumble Bee +1 more
Bufflehead Mason Bee - Butterflies Eastern Tiger Swallowtail also American Lady
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- American ladynectar
- Eastern tiger swallowtailnectar
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Much of the USA and southern CanadaUnited States (25): CT, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV. Canada (1): NS. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Quebec and Nova Scotia to Minnesota, south to Georgia, Tennessee and MissouriThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8 · Canadian 4–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
- Soil
- Humus-rich soil. Tolerates limestoneThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Soil texture
- Light to medium (sandy to loamy)The soil grade it prefers, from sand to clay.
- Soil pH
- Acid to neutralThe acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 10 in (to 25 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Apr–MayWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- White, PinkThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Apr–MayThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- Poisonous if eatenWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.