Photo by Jim Jung. All rights reserved.

Dutchman's Breeches

As a member of the poppy family Dutchman's Breeches, were once used medicinally; though since it's more toxic and dangerous than Bloodroot this practice has been wisely discontinued. Pioneers who pastured their cattle on newly cleared ground called it "Little Blue Staggers" from the effects it had when eaten by cows.

Dutchman's Breeches are named for the flower's resemblance to the pantaloons of the Dutch burghers of old New York. Reaching only a foot in diameter and usually only half that in height these ephemeral woodland wildflowers make a brief springtime appearance and then, as the canopy overhead leafs out they set their seed and die back to their bulblike roots until the next spring calls them up again. The flowers have a faint and very delicate lilac scent which isn't always present. Like most flowers this scent is only produced at times when their pollinators are most likely to active.

From our Archive:

Offsite Link:

• Dutchman's Breeches page in the site, Indiana Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets

Suggest a link! Send suggestions to Webmaster