Plant encyclopedia›Dutchman's breeches

Dutchman's breeches

Also known as: bachelor's breeches; boys and girls; breeches flower; butterfly banners; fly flower; Indian boys and girls; monk's hood; pantalon flower; soldier's cap; staggerweed; turkey corn; white eardrop; white heart

A compact clump-forming, tuberous perennial with deeply lobed or cut, blue-green leaves up to 25cm long and producing white (or occasionally pink), yellow to greenish-yellow tipped flowers in early spring

Scientific classification

Species: Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)
Genus: Dicentra
Family: Papaveraceae

All parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]
Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Dutchman's breeches pictures

Distribution of Dutchman's breeches

Distribution map

E and Northern USA

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

All parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]

Quick identification of Dutchman's breeches

Information to be completed

Dutchman's breeches care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down. Propagate by seed - sow seed as soon as ripe or in spring

Growing

Grow in gritty, well-drained but humus-rich, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline soil in partial shade. The foliage dies down soon after flowering. It is best kept almost dry during summer dormancy

More growing and care information →