Wild Bleeding Heart

Wild Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa) is one of the most easily recognized native wildflowers in Oregon. I also remember learning about these on some of first hikes in Oregon. These plants also grow in shady forested areas and can be found along trails. The stems produce from four to 15 pinkish flowers that resemble valentines, hence the common name. Hummingbirds pollenate this plant. After the flowers bloom and seeds form, ants come along and carry the seeds away because they crave the seed's oil. This helps spread the range of the plant. These in the photo were seen at Stub Stewart State Park this year. (5/10/2013)

Note the Western Spring Beauty flowers poking their heads up also!