Dicentra formosa

Common name(s): western bleeding heart

Description: perennial; an excellent, native, groundcover for shady or partially shady areas that will spread and form a dense colony over time. Purple-red flowers from spring into early summer and sometimes again in autumn (though generally sparse). To combat drought, D. formosa will go completely summer dormant and then reemerge after the first autumn rains. Tolerant of clay and heavy soil.

Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 5 ft.

Position: shade to partial shade 

Uses: ornamental- as a groundcover, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3+ months of summer drought

Distribution: British Columbia south to California