Wild Bleeding Heart

(Dicentra eximia)

Wild Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Dicentra eximia, commonly known as Wild Bleeding Heart, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rich, moist woodlands and mountainous regions in the Eastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features fern-like foliage and arching stems with heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red, which bloom profusely in late spring to early summer and often sporadically throughout the summer months. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.

Wild Bleeding Heart is valued for its graceful appearance and long flowering season, making it a favorite for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It is relatively low maintenance and can be used as a ground cover or border plant. It prefers part shade but can tolerate some morning sun, and it requires consistently moist soil with good drainage. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions. This plant is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice for areas with high deer populations.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rich, moist woodlands and mountainous regions in the Eastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains

Other Names

Common Names: Turkey Corn , Wild Bleeding-Heart , Fringed Bleeding-Heart , Turkey-Corn , Staggerweed , Furirhjärta

Scientific Names: Dicentra eximia , Diclytra eximia , Diclytra formosa , Fumaria formosa , Bicuculla eximia , Bikukulla eximia , Capnorchis eximia , Corydalis eximia , Dielytra eximia , Eucapnos eximius , Fumaria eximia

GBIF Accepted Name: Dicentra eximia (Ker Gawl.) Torr.