Dicentra is a genus that some say belongs in the Fumariaceae family. Others chose to include that family as a subfamily, Fumarioideae, in the Papaveraceae? family. Some species have tuberous rootstocks and some have overwintering rhizomes. Others are probably best described as herbaceous perennials. This genus is distributed in North America, Japan and eastern Asia.
Dicentra cuccularia is another species from Canada and the United States growing from a cluster of small tubers. Flowers are white marked with yellow. Photo by John Lonsdale.
Dicentra formosa ssp. oregana Photo by John Lonsdale
Dicentra eximia This eastern United States species, Fringed Bleeding Heart, grows from a rhizome. It is found on forest floors, rocky woods and ledges in the Appalachian Mountains and is best grown in moist shade. It has fern-like, grayish-green foliage which persists throughout the growing season and pink to purplish red, nodding, heart-shaped flowers.
Photos by John Lonsdale of a plant with pink flowers and an unusual white form.
Dicentra peregrina is an alpine species from Japan and Siberia with large pink or white flowers. This species grows from a rhizome. Photos by John Lonsdale.
Dicentra 'Queen of Hearts' Photos John Lonsdale.
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