Flower Garden

 Bleeding Heart

Scientific Classification

Scientific Name -  Lamprocapnos spectabilis

Domain               - Eukaryota

Kingdom             - Plantae

Phylum               - Magnoliophyta

Class                    - Magnoliopsida

Order                  - Ranunculales

Family                - Papaveraceae

Genus                 - Lamprocapnos

Species               - L.spectabilis

Lamprocapnos spectabilis, bleeding heart, fallopian buds or Asian bleeding heart, is a species of flowering plant belonging to  the fumitory subfamily of the oppy family. Bleeding heart is valued in gardens and in floristry for it's heart shaped pink and white flowers, born in spring. The common name comes from the flowers which look like a drop of red blood exuding from the heart shaped calyx.

Common bleeding heart is native to Siberia, China and Northern Japan, and introduced in North America. In New England it has been collected in the wild only in marine, but it is a common main story of spring gardens throughout the region. They are typically  found in moist grasslands or shady forests. This herbaceous plant forms loose, bushy clumps up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide from brittle, fleshy roots. It blooms on arching stems for 6 - 8 weeks in mid to late spring, and looks heavenly planted among the more traditional pink variety. They have a long lifespan : up to 25 years in captivity and 15 years in the wild. They are short tailed, with longlegs, and red feet.

Bleeding heart plants contain isoquinoline alkaloids that are toxic to humans and animals. Serious cases of poisoning are common in dogs and horses, but much less common is humans. The toxins in bleeding heart can cause liver damage and seizures in humans when ingested in large quantities.

A tincture made from Pacific bleeding heart can ease the pain of sprains or bruises. It can also calm the nervous system, which can help alleviate anxiety or insomnia. The Skagit people used Pacific bleeding heart as a toothache and hair growth remedy.

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