Dutchman’s Breeches in Bloom

Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) are blooming in the Native Habitat Garden!

These dainty wildflowers are native to the northeastern US and appear in early spring, often in rich, healthy soil beside streambanks and on the forest floor. Their leaves are fern-like and occur in round clusters sprouting off from the central stem of the plant. Their flowers resemble white, upside – down pairs of pants (hence their name) strung out on a clothesline. Dutchman’s Breeches are a welcome sign of warmer weather, and nature’s indicator to eager energy-savers that the season for hanging the washing outside has begun.

Photo by Laura Berry.