The Bleeding Heart plant, primarily the species Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis), is a garden favorite that emerges early in the spring. It offers a unique visual presence before many other garden plants begin to flower. Understanding its look involves examining the flower’s intricate structure, the plant’s overall size and foliage, and the variations found among its different species.
The Iconic Flower Structure
The flower is the most defining feature of the Bleeding Heart due to its perfect heart shape. These flowers are pendant, dangling from arching stems in a one-sided row called a raceme. The heart shape is formed by the two large, pouched outer petals, which are typically rose-pink or white, depending on the cultivar.
The plant’s common name comes from the small, light-colored inner petals that protrude from the bottom of the heart shape. These inner petals, often white or yellow, hang like a small droplet, creating the illusion of a heart with a tear or a drop of blood “bleeding” from the tip. The whole structure is bilaterally symmetrical. Each flower is relatively small, generally ranging from one to two inches long, and multiple blooms appear along the leafless flower stems.
Plant Size, Foliage, and Growth Habit
The plant forms a loose, bushy mound, reaching a height and spread of between one and three feet, depending on the species. The stems are often fleshy and can have a reddish or greenish-pink tint when they first emerge in early spring. The plant’s structure consists of delicate, arching branches that hold the rows of dangling flowers above the foliage.
The foliage is finely divided, giving it a soft, fern-like or lacy appearance. The leaves are typically a blue-green or light green color and are ternately decompound, meaning they are repeatedly divided into three segments. A characteristic of the largest species, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, is that its foliage often yellows, withers, and dies back to the ground by mid-summer as temperatures rise, a process known as summer dormancy.
Major Species and Color Variations
The term “Bleeding Heart” refers to several species. The classic large Asian Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is the most commonly recognized, featuring the largest, most defined heart-shaped flowers. Its color variation is primarily the traditional rose-pink and white, but the cultivar ‘Alba’ offers pure white flowers, and deep red cultivars like ‘Valentine’ are also available.
The American native species, such as the Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia) and the Western Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa), present a different appearance. These species are more compact, typically growing only 12 to 18 inches tall, and their flowers are smaller and more elongated than the Asian variety. The foliage of these native varieties is often more finely dissected and tends to remain attractive throughout the growing season, only going dormant in very hot or dry conditions. These native types also offer a slightly wider color range, sometimes including pinks that lean toward purplish-pink.
Identification and Safety
All parts of the Bleeding Heart plant contain toxic compounds. The roots and foliage contain isoquinoline alkaloids, which are harmful if ingested by humans or pets. Symptoms of internal poisoning can range from vomiting and diarrhea to convulsions and staggering.
Beyond ingestion, the plant’s sap can also cause a mild skin irritation or rash, known as contact dermatitis, in sensitive individuals. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant, especially during pruning or transplanting, to prevent potential skin reactions. This toxic nature is also why the plant is resistant to deer and rabbits.