Bleeding Heart, Japanese Bleeding Heart, Common Bleeding Heart

Dicentra spectabilis

Physical Characteristics

Dicentra spectabilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - N. China, Japan, Korea and Siberia. Locally naturalized in Europe[50].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves in spring - cooked[105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The plant is potentially poisonous and can also cause skin rashes[222].