Red puccoon
Sanguinaria canadensis
Synonyms: Belharnosia canadensis, Sanguinaria vernalis, Sanguinaria stenopetala, Sanguinaria grandiflora, Sanguinaria virginiana, Sanguinaria acaulis, Sanguinaria canadensis f. multiplex, Sanguinaria canadensis var. multiplex, Belharnosia mesochora, Sanguinaria canadensis var. rotundifolia, Sanguinaria dilleniana, Sanguinaria australis, Sanguinaria mesochora, Sanguinaria rotundifolia
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Sanguinaria canadensis, the bloodroot, is a low-growing perennial herb in the Papaveraceae family, native to deciduous woodlands of eastern North America. From a thick, branching rhizome that exudes a vivid orange-red sap when cut arises a single, deeply lobed, palmate leaf wrapped around an upright flower stalk. The solitary white flower, opening briefly in early spring before the canopy closes, bears eight to twelve petals around a cluster of yellow stamens. Following pollination by small bees, an oblong capsule develops containing dark seeds with fleshy elaiosomes attractive to ants, which disperse them. The whole plant rarely exceeds 25 cm in height, and the colonies often persist for decades in undisturbed leaf litter on shaded slopes.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
Sanguinaria canadensis was one of the most widely employed medicinal plants among Eastern Woodland peoples, with documented uses across at least twenty tribes. The Cherokee took a decoction of the root in small doses for coughs and lung inflammations, and used a wash of the root for ulcers, sores, and skin conditions (Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975). The Iroquois used infusions of the root for inside pain, as a blood purifier, for colds, and as a carminative for stomach gas (Herrick, 1977). The Chippewa employed a compound root decoction for cramps and stomach complaints, and the powdered root as a snuff for head colds (Densmore, 1928). The Ojibwa, Meskwaki, Micmac, Malecite, Mohegan, and Potawatomi used the rhizome as a blood medicine, throat aid, tonic, and gastrointestinal remedy (Smith, 1932; Smith, 1933). The Delaware reserved a pea-sized piece of the root taken daily for thirty days as a strengthener for general debility, and used the red root sap as ceremonial face paint for the Big House Ceremony (Tantaquidgeon, 1942; Tantaquidgeon, 1972). The roots were also boiled with other barks to produce red and yellow dyes among the Chippewa, Cherokee, and other peoples (Densmore, 1928; Witthoft, 1947).
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.