bloodroot
bloodroot Lexical Profile
• noun
North American A perennial woodland wildflower of the poppy family (Sanguinaria canadensis) native to eastern North America, characterized by solitary, cup-shaped white blossoms with golden-yellow stamens, deeply lobed basal leaves, and a thick underground rhizome that exudes bright red-orange sap when cut.
"Delicate white bloodroot blossoms carpeted the shaded forest floor in early spring before the canopy leafed out."
British A low-growing perennial herbaceous plant of the rose family (Potentilla erecta, commonly called tormentil) native to European heaths and grasslands, having small four-petaled yellow flowers and a woody red-fleshed rootstock traditionally used as an astringent.
"Herbalists historically harvested the woody rhizomes of European bloodroot to prepare astringent tinctures."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'blood' and 'root', named in reference to the bright reddish-orange latex sap contained within the plant's underground rhizome, which was traditionally used by Native Americans as a natural dye and herbal medicine.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.