Dutchman's Breeches
Dicentra cucullaria
Also listed as Bicuculla cucullaria, Dicentra occidentalis
Also known as Dutchman's Britches, Ear Drops, Snowboys
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate spring ephemeral wildflower with finely dissected fern-like foliage and distinctive white, pink-tipped tubular flowers that resemble tiny breeches. The plant dies back by early summer after blooming.
Why grow it
Dutchman's breeches offers distinctive early spring interest with finely textured foliage and unusual flowers that attract pollinators during a season when few native wildflowers are available. Compared to other spring ephemerals like trillium or bloodroot, it provides a longer bloom period and more ornamental foliage texture. The plant thrives in moist, well-draining woodland conditions with dappled shade, making it well-suited to naturalized garden settings that mimic its native deciduous forest habitat.
Watch out for
The plant's dormancy by early summer requires thoughtful placement so neighboring plants will fill the visual gap left by its disappearance. Site it among later-emerging perennials like hostas or ferns that will screen the bare space. Like many spring ephemerals, it dislikes competition and may struggle if crowded by aggressive groundcovers or perennials.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate spring ephemeral wildflower with finely dissected fern-like foliage and distinctive white, pink-tipped tubular flowers that resemble tiny breeches. The plant dies back by early summer after blooming.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Dutchman's Breeches grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Dutchman's breeches offers distinctive early spring interest with finely textured foliage and unusual flowers that attract pollinators during a season when few native wildflowers are available. Compared to other spring ephemerals like trillium or bloodroot, it provides a longer bloom period and more ornamental foliage texture. The plant thrives in moist, well-draining woodland conditions with dappled shade, making it well-suited to naturalized garden settings that mimic its native deciduous forest habitat.
Watch out for
The plant's dormancy by early summer requires thoughtful placement so neighboring plants will fill the visual gap left by its disappearance. Site it among later-emerging perennials like hostas or ferns that will screen the bare space. Like many spring ephemerals, it dislikes competition and may struggle if crowded by aggressive groundcovers or perennials.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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