Squirrel Corn
Dicentra canadensis
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Pl. 05F9 — Dicentra canadensis
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IOverview
Overview
Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis) is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States and southern Canada, thriving in partial sun to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. This plant reaches heights of about 0.2 meters and is known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves and white or pink flowers that appear in early spring. Squirrel Corn is notable not only for its ornamental value but also as an edible plant, with its roots being the parts used. Found naturally in states like Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Québec, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia, this hardy species can be spotted from zones 4 to 8.
Quick answers
What is Squirrel Corn?
Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis) is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States and southern Canada, thriving in partial sun to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. This plant reaches heights of about 0.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Squirrel Corn thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of about 0.2 meters. For propagation, gardeners can use division or seed sowing. The plant is native to northeastern and midwestern regions of the United States and Canada, making it well-suited for temperate climates. Its edible root can be harvested but should be done carefully as the plant is delicate.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Squirrel Corn for the first time
8steps
Start with Squirrel Corn as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with partial sun to full shade. Ensure the soil is light and moist.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Divide every 3-4 years to keep the plant healthy.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter before new growth emerges.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to divide the plant regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Squirrel Corn is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often used raw or cooked, though specific preparation methods are not widely documented. Dicentra canadensis roots can also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
26 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
26 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 26 native
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 05f93a4d-122a-43bd-9505-11d85cd98876
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