Fumariaceae: Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh.
(Dutchman's breeches)
Dicentra cucullaria is a delicate, attractive ephemeral found in deciduous woods and intervales. It often grows at the base of deciduous trees as a skirt of blue-green, finely dissected leaves. Leaves are basal and compound. The secund flower stalk is leafless, 20-30 cm tall, with 4-10 white flowers in a raceme. Each flower is composed of 2 sepals, and 4 petals that are united at the base to form a sack resembling balloon trousers. Blooming time is from mid May to early June. Dutchman's breeches occurs in the eastern half of the North American continent from Manitoba south as far as Georgia. It is apparently secure in Nova Scotia.
Sources | Selected Web Resources | Line Drawing
Click on images for larger versions.
| May 18, 2002. King's County: Cape Split. Photographer: Ocotillo. | |
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| May 18, 2008. King's County: Cape Split. Photographer: JackPine. | |
 Spring beauty (Claytonia caroliniana) also present. |
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Selected Web Resources
- Taxonomic Status (ITIS) Copy the species name above and paste it into a form on this ITIS Canada page to confirm the nomenclature and list synonyms.
- NatureServe Explorer Copy the species name above and paste it into a form on this page to view a map of its distribution within North America and its conservation status by province and state.
Page posted 12 Jan. 2009. Modified 21 Mar. 2012.
Copyright © Nova Scotia Wild Flora Society & Photographers.