Quick answer: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is native to 34 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Eric Hunt, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Moist to mesic, well-drained, humus-rich soils, neutral pH |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Apr |
| Height | Up to 2 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Seeds dispersed by ants |
Rhizome poisonous, may be fatal if ingested. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, faintness, dizziness, dilated pupils, fainting, diarrhea, heart failure. Toxic principle: isoquinoline alkaloids
none noted (spreads rapidly as groundcover, not flagged invasive)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Bloodroot
Where is Bloodroot native?
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is native to 34 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Bloodroot bloom?
Bloodroot blooms Mar-Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Bloodroot need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Moist-Wet. Soil: Moist to mesic, well-drained, humus-rich soils, neutral pH. Mature height: Up to 2 ft tall.
Is Bloodroot good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Seeds dispersed by ants.
Is Bloodroot deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Bloodroot is deer-resistant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Bloodroot toxic?
Rhizome poisonous, may be fatal if ingested. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, faintness, dizziness, dilated pupils, fainting, diarrhea, heart failure. Toxic principle: isoquinoline alkaloids.
Where can I buy real Bloodroot seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Sanguinaria canadensis on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Bloodroot.
- Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- Royal fern Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis
- Blue vervain Verbena hastata
Also listed under
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