Pacific bleeding heart flowers in Los Trancos (John Nelson)

Pacific Bleeding Heart

Pacific bleeding hearts (John Nelson)

The Pacific bleeding heart, or western bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) is a flowering plant in the poppy family that can grow up to 1.5 feet in height. Its attractive heart-shaped flowers come in all Valentine’s day shades: pink, red, purple and white. The leaves of the Pacific bleeding heart are fernlike and lacy.

Blooming period: May to July

Habitat: Moist areas of redwood forests and oak woodlands. 

Where to find: Keep an eye out for Pacific bleeding hearts in El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, Los Trancos Open Space Preserve and La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. 

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Pacific bleeding hearts at Los Trancos (Shree Padmini Kokali)
Pacific bleeding hearts (© Shree Padmini Kokali)

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