This is one of the very early wildflowers, appearing as early as mid-March. The flower lasts for a relatively short time, opening in full sun and closing at night. It is found in rich woodlands from Canada south to Florida. The generic name, Sanguinaria, comes from the Latin sanguinarius, which means "bleeding". The red juice from the roots was used by Native Americans as a dye and war paint. The plant is poisonous, however herbalists use small amounts as a treatment for blood diseases and as an expectorant.

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