Blog  May 16, 2012

Pretty in pink: Pacific bleeding heart

The distinct locket-shaped flowers of of Pacific bleeding heart (Photo: Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

Native only to British Columbia in Canada, Dicentra formosa, or Pacific bleeding heart, is an excellent choice for any urban garden in BC. Growing only half a metre high, it thrives in moist environments with varying sunlight conditions.

Its purple/pink locket-shaped flowers are a major attraction for hummingbirds and other wildlife from May to June but, interestingly, this native species relies on ants to spread its seeds.

Learn more about Pacific bleeding heart and other native wildflowers on Evergreen’s Native Plant Database.