This herbaceous perennial grows in moist woods from sea level to mid-elevations west of the Cascades.  Pacific bleeding heart grows 10-20 inches tall in full to part shade.  The seeds have a small fat deposit (white) that encourages ants to harvest and thereby transport the seeds around the forest floor. Try pinching the flowers to encourage summer long blooming.  If you are lucky enough to live in the Cascade foothills there are plenty of alpine hikes to be taken where you can enjoy these native beauties first hand.  But you better get out quick!  You will enjoy their light pink to purple hues.  On one very special family hike along the I-90 corridor from Seattle I spotted a super rare white patch. That was neat. If you find them please remember the “look but don’t touch” rule. And tell them I said hi!

MY HEART BLEEDS FOR YOU

If your mother would break out the worlds tiniest violin and play this song for you then raise your hand. If you want some of these beauties in your garden then raise your green thumb! You can contact the Washington Native Plant Society (wnps.org) and ask where you can get some. A Gardenview™ encouragement is to become a native plant specialist (for your local) and learn how to cultivate native species and get them back into people’s yards and gardens. Spread the love with Native Plants.

Pete Skenandore

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