Dicentra formosa

Common name(s): western bleeding heart

Description: perennial; an excellent, Oregon native, groundcover for shady or partially shady areas that will spread and form a dense colony over time. Blooms purple-red flowers from spring into early summer and sometimes again in autumn (though generally sparse). To combat drought, D. formosa will go completely summer dormant and then reemerge with the first autumn rains. Tolerant of clay and heavy soil.

Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 5 ft.

Position: shade to partial shade 

Uses: ornamental- as a groundcover, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought