Carolina redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana, J. Bot. 70: 329 (1932))

Family: Haemodoraceae

Author: (Lam.) Dandy

Bibliography: J. Bot. 70: 329 (1932)

Year: 1932

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lachnanthes

Vegetable: False

Observations: Nova Scotia to E. U.S.A., W. Cuba, I. off Honduras

Description

Carolina redroot, scientifically known as Lachnanthes caroliniana, belongs to the family Haemodoraceae. This distinctive plant is primarily found in the regions stretching from Nova Scotia to the eastern United States, extending to the western parts of Cuba and the islands off the coast of Honduras.

First described in detail by J. Bot. in 1932, and subsequently classified and named by the botanist Dandy, the Carolina redroot stands out due to its unique characteristics and adaptation to its environment. Characteristically, it thrives in wetland areas, often found in bogs, marshes, and the damp edges of forests. This preference for moist habitats ensures it has access to the water it needs to sustain its lush and vibrant growth.

The Caroline redroot exhibits striking red roots, which are not only the origin of its common name but also a key identifying feature. These roots can form dense mats that are essential for the plant’s survival and propagation. Above ground, the plant features a rosette of long, slender leaves that can be somewhat grass-like in appearance. In addition, it produces small, bright yellow flowers that cluster together on a stalk, contributing to its ornamental value and ecological role in supporting various pollinators.

Besides its ecological importance, the Carolina redroot has had various uses throughout history, notably within indigenous cultures and traditional medicine. Though not extensively documented, some historical sources do indicate its use in treating a range of ailments, given the natural compounds present in the plant.

In conservational terms, Lachnanthes caroliniana plays an essential role in the ecosystems it inhabits, often serving as an indicator of healthy, well-functioning wetland environments. Its presence signifies the richness and diversity of the habitat, contributing to the overall biodiversity.

In summary, the Carolina redroot is not only a fascinating plant in terms of its botanical characteristics and ecological role but also a testament to the rich biodiversity present in the wetlands of eastern North America, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America. The knowledge compiled by early botanists and continued study ensures this plant remains a subject of interest within the scientific community.

Common Names

Eng: carolina redroot, redroot
Fra: lachnanthe de caroline
En: Carolina redroot, Bloodroot, Bloodwort, Redroot
Fr: Lachnanthe de Caroline

Synonyms

• Dilatris heritiera (Pers.)
• Gyrotheca tinctorum ((Walter ex J.F.Gmel.) W.Stone)
• Dilatris caroliniana (Lam.)
• Heritiera gmelinii (Michx.)
• Heritiera tinctorum (Walter ex J.F.Gmel.)
• Lachnanthes tinctorum ((Walter ex J.F.Gmel.) Elliott)
• Anonymos tincotria (Walter)
• Dilatris tinctorum ((Walter ex J.F.Gmel.) Pursh)
• Lachnanthes tinctoria var. major (Griseb.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 17, 2020 by Erika Lozano (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by Irma Torres (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 10, 2012 by EOL − Bob Peterson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Leaf

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Reggie Evans (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2765922)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:134317-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lachnanthes caroliniana (Lam.) Dandy)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.4

Ph minimum: 4.0