WSU Clark County Extension
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Pacific Bleeding Heart

Scientific name: Dicentra formosa
Taxonomy
Family:Fumariaceae
Type:Herbaceous perennials
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 8
Plant Characteristics
Height:2 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:Pink
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Pacific bleeding heart (sometimes called Dutchman's Britches) is grown for its beautiful late spring, delicate pink bloom borne on feathery foliage.

  Morphology:
Bleeding heart is a 12”-18” tall perennial with clusters of delicate pink flowers that appear in late April. This species likes shade where it is hot and sun where the summers are cool. This native perennial hosts soft, fern-like foliage and dangling pink, heart shaped flowers which are borne on long stems holding nectar filled blooms high for the hummingbirds and bumblebees.

  Adaptation:
A rock garden plant that grows best in damp places with partial shade. The foliage will remain intact all summer if there is enough shade, otherwise it will disappear and return the following spring. It is a perfect woodland species with fringe cups, wild ginger, meadow rue and columbine. It has average water needs during the spring, especially when grown west of the Cascades.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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