Dutchman’s Breeches
(Dicentra cucullaria)
Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)
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George Rembert
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
George Rembert
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: George Rembert | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ | Attribution: 2005 George Rembert | Publisher: Calphotos | Notes: Focal length: 61mm; f/5.6 @ 1/125 sec; Natural light; Edge of wooded area |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dicentra cucullaria, commonly known as Dutchman’s Breeches, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in the rich, moist, deciduous woodlands and floodplain forests of the Eastern USA, extending into Canada, and in some areas of the Pacific Northwest. This plant is particularly associated with limestone-derived soils in its native range. It typically grows to a height of 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) with a similar spread. The distinctive flowers, resembling white pantaloons with a yellow band at the top, are borne in early spring on leafless stems above the foliage, creating a charming display. The foliage is finely dissected and fern-like, adding a delicate texture to the garden. Dutchman’s Breeches is valued for its unique, early-spring flowers and its ability to naturalize in woodland settings.
Dutchman’s Breeches is ideal for shade gardens, naturalized woodland areas, and alongside streams or ponds. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, preferring part shade to full shade and medium moisture in well-drained soils. It is not typically bothered by pests or diseases but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. While it goes dormant in summer, the foliage provides early spring interest before many other perennials emerge. It is not invasive and is often used to add early spring interest to shaded areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Dutchman’s Breeches is ideal for shade gardens, naturalized woodland areas, and alongside streams or ponds. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, preferring part shade to full shade and medium moisture in well-drained soils. It is not typically bothered by pests or diseases but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. While it goes dormant in summer, the foliage provides early spring interest before many other perennials emerge. It is not invasive and is often used to add early spring interest to shaded areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Rich, moist, deciduous woodlands and floodplain forests, often with limestone-derived soils
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Dicentra cucullaria , Diclytra cucullaria , Corydalis cucullaria , Bikukulla cucullaria , Bicuculla cucullaria , Bicuculla occidentalis , Dicentra cucullaria f. purpuritincta , Fumaria cucullaria , Dicentra cucullaria var. occidentalis , Dicentra cucullaria f. cucullaria
GBIF Accepted Name: Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh.