Sanguinaria

Sanguinaria also known as bloodroot is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant native to eastern North America. It is the only species in the genus Sanguinaria, included in the family Papaveraceae, and most closely related to Eomecon of eastern Asia.

Description

Sanguinaria canadensis is also known as Canada puccoon, bloodwort, redroot, red puccoon, and sometimes pauson. It has also been known as tetterwort, although that name is also used to refer to Chelidonium majus. Plants are variable in leaf and flower shape and have in the past been separated out as different subspecies due to these variable shapes. Currently most taxonomic treatments include these different forms in one highly variable species. In bloodroot, the juice is red and poisonous.

Uses

Sanguinaria canadensis is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The double-flowered forms are prized by gardeners for their large showy white flowers, which are produced very early in the gardening season. Bloodroot flower petals are shed within a day or two of pollination so the flower display is short lived, but the double forms bloom much longer. The plant is a popular garden specimen and widely available for sale on the internet.

Medicinal use

Sanguinaria canadensis has also been used historically as a medicinal plant. Native Americans used bloodroot for many conditions, including fevers and rheumatism. The root is used in many pharmaceuticals, mixed with other compounds to treat heart problems, dental applications (to inhibit plaque), and to treat migraines. Bloodroot paste is used externally for skin diseases, warts, and tumors. For ringworm apply the fluid extract. Bloodroot is said to repel insects. The root is used in as an anesthetic, cathartic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, stimulant and tonic.

Toxicity

The plant contains the toxic alkaloid sanguinarine. Ingesting the plant can cause vomiting and loss of consciousness.

References

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External links

• ITIS Standard Report Page: Sanguinaria canadensis
• USDA Plants Profile: Sanguinaria canadensis
• Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder

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