Dicentra uniflora, commonly known as Longhorn Steer’s Head, is an herbaceous perennial native to the alpine and subalpine zones of the Rocky Mountains and other mountain ranges in the western United States. It typically grows up to 4 inches tall and is characterized by its long-stalked, deeply divided leaflets that form a delicate, fern-like foliage. The plant’s unique flowers, which resemble the head of a longhorn steer, bloom from February to June. The flowers are showy with pink to white petals that are tinged with light brown or purple, and the two outer petals are distinctively bent backward, creating its signature appearance. The flowers give way to seed capsules that are just over 0 inches long.

Longhorn Steer’s Head is appreciated for its distinctive and ornamental flowers, which add interest to rock gardens, alpine gardens, and native plant collections. It is adapted to cool, moist conditions and is often found in open woods, meadows, and foothills where it benefits from the well-drained, gravelly soils. In cultivation, it requires similar conditions, preferring partial shade to full sun, consistent moisture, and cool temperatures to thrive. While it is not commonly affected by diseases, it can be challenging to grow in warmer, drier climates. This plant is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. It is not typically used for culinary or medicinal purposes, but its unique flower shape makes it a conversation piece in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0