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Dicentra eximia

(Ker Gawl.) Torr.

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) kbarylski, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Shawn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Shawn

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Rose Roberts, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Rose Roberts

Dicentra eximia (wild or fringed bleeding-heart, turkey-corn) is a flowering plant with fernlike leaves and oddly shaped flowers native to the Appalachian Mountains. It is similar to the Pacific bleeding-heart (Dicentra formosa), which grows on the Pacific Coast. Dicentra eximia is a perennial herb in the Papaveraceae family.

Description

A perennial groundcover reaching 0.4 m tall and wide at medium growth rate. Hardy to UK zone 4. Produces deeply cut, fern-like foliage that persists through winter unlike common bleeding heart. Heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white bloom via pollination by birds, bees, and insects. Grows in full to semi-shade in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with preference for well-drained, moist conditions. Tolerates poor soil and mildly acid to neutral pH.

Edible Uses

No edible uses are known for this plant.

Medicinal Uses

No medicinal uses are known for this plant.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 3-8.

Where It Grows

USA,

Propagation

No propagation information is available for this plant.

Other Uses

Forms a medium-density groundcover suitable for shade and semi-shade, though it colonises very slowly via rhizomes. Its nectar attracts hummingbirds, and it provides cover for small wildlife. It also attracts beneficial insects. Good companion plants include Jacob's Ladder and Wild Columbine. The deeply cut, fern-like foliage remains through the season without dying back as common bleeding heart does, and the pink-to-white, heart-shaped flowers make it a valued ornamental. Suitable for food forest and ground cover plantings; flowers can be used as cut flowers.

Synonyms

Bicuculla eximia (Ker Gawl.) Millsp.Bikukulla eximia (Ker Gawl.) DruceCapnorchis eximia (Ker Gawl.) Planch.Capnorchis eximia (Ker Gawl.) KuntzeCorydalus eximia (Ker Gawl.) Link.Diclytra eximia (Ker Gawl.) DC.Dielytra eximia (Ker Gawl.) G. DonEucapnos eximius (Ker Gawl.) Bernh.Fumaria eximia Ker Gawl.Fumaria formosa Poir.

References (1)

  • Jackes, D. A., Edible Forest Gardens

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