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Fringed Bleeding Heart Wikimedia Commons
Papaveraceae

Fringed Bleeding Heart

Dicentra eximia

Enduring affection.

Family
Papaveraceae
Genus
Dicentra
Native to
Eastern United States, Appalachian Mountains
Bloom season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Type
perennial herb
Height
1-1.5 ft
Sunlight
part shade
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained
Water
moderate
Hardiness
3-9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Unlike the common bleeding heart that goes dormant in summer, fringed bleeding heart blooms from spring to frost and retains its foliage all season.
  • The finely cut, fern-like leaves give the plant its 'fringed' common name and provide attractive foliage even when not in bloom.
  • Seeds are dispersed by ants attracted to the elaiosome, a nutritious fleshy structure attached to each seed.
  • Fringed bleeding heart is native exclusively to the Appalachian Mountains, where it grows in rocky crevices and on shaded cliff faces.
  • The heart-shaped flowers contain nectar accessible only to long-tongued bees and hummingbirds, which must pry apart the outer petals to reach it.

Color meanings

0

unconditional love

1

compassion

Uses

  • shade gardens
  • woodland gardens
  • native plant gardens
  • rock gardens