Bloodroot

Bloodroot wildflowers have begun popping up around the cabin. It grows in small clumps, creating little bundles of color through the decaying leaves that surround them. I find them to be quite bright and cheery.

Many American Indians used it as a traditional medicine (click on this link if you'd like to read more). It can be toxic if ingested, so much care must be used when handling it. The leaves are unique and easily recognizable, and the stem holds the redish sap that is used for medicines and also as a dye.

Folklore has it used as a love charm. Men would rub their hands with it then try to hold the hand of the woman they wanted to marry. If she grasped his hand, she would fall in love with him in five or six days and marry him. I wonder if it worked....

It's a pretty little bloom...

...especially it's light green center. Another sign that spring is on its way!

Thanks for reading my blog, see you tomorrow,
Lise