Today's Nature post features Bloodroot!

Bloodroot, Sanguinaria Canadensis, is also known as Red Puccoon, Redroot, and Bloodwort. It is a herbaceous, perennial plant native to North America. It can be seen growing throughout Canada and Nova Scotia down to Florida and Mississippi with a preference for moist to dry thickets, woods, and even on floodplains, shores, or streams. This flowering plant exists as the only species belonging to the genus Sanguinaria with it's closest relative being a genus of plants called Eomecon which includes flowers such as the Poppy which is native to china. Bloodroot consists of a set of flowers sprouting up to 20 inches tall with one large leaf that can grow up to 10 inches across. It earns it's name from the red or bright orange color of it's sap. This sap is also known to be toxic due to it's containing the toxin called Sanguinarine. This toxin kills cells by the blocking of proteins. Bloodroot will begin to bloom in the early spring after which the leaves will then unfurl to their full size. In the summer, they will go dormant. Pollination occurs through bees and flies, but also through ants. Bloodroot seeds contain an organ called an elaiosome which contains vast amounts of proteins. This structure attached to the seed attracts the ants who will take the seeds to their nest, eat the elaiosome, and then throw away the seed. This process, called Myrmecochory, ensures that the bloodroot seeds grow in a rich environment sustained by the ant's debris to grow in a new area.

Bloodroot, also known as King Root, Red Root, or Tetterwort, is associated with being a masculine plant connected to fire. It's strengths lie in protection, purification, and love. When the root is carried, it is said to attract love while also warding against evil intentions. As with many plants, also placing it around the home, particularly by windowsills and doorways, it can protect the home against evil. Native Americans would use Bloodroot for emetic uses, meaning for inducing vomiting, as well as a respiratory aid. There is controversy over if Bloodroot can be used to treat cancer. It is said that Bloodroot extracts can be used as a treatment or cure, but it's toxicity also warns caution. Applying Bloodroot directly to the skin around a wound removes the dead tissue and promotes healing. Dentists will use it to remove the build-up of plaque or reduce tooth pain. Bloodroot has also been used to treat sore throats, poor circulation, rheumatism, warts, and fever thanks to the chemicals it processes that fight bacteria and inflammation. With it's naturally bright sap, this plant was also used by Native Americans for art such as painting, on baskets, or as a dye. Bloodroot has also been used as a guardian for family connections and relationships. Placing Bloodroot chips and rosemary in a red flannel bag is said to bring luck in family matters when placed over the lintel of the door. Burning it on charcoal is said to bring good relations with in-laws.