Dutchman’s-breeches (Dicentra cucullaria, Linnaea 8: 468 (1833))

Family: Papaveraceae

Author: (L.) Bernh.

Bibliography: Linnaea 8: 468 (1833)

Year: 1833

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dicentra

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to N. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Dutchman’s-breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is a captivating spring ephemeral that flourishes predominantly in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States. This delightful member of the Papaveraceae family is renowned for its distinctive, whimsical blossoms, which resemble traditional pantaloons hung out to dry – an imagery that has poignantly inspired its common name.

First described in 1833 in the botanical journal Linnaea by the esteemed naturalist, (L.) Bernh., Dicentra cucullaria is a testament to the intricate beauty of woodland flora. The plant embarks on its life cycle early in the spring, emerging from underground rhizomes to form delicate, fern-like foliage. This foliage, a soft shade of green, creates an elegant backdrop for the plant’s charming flowers.

The flowers of Dutchman’s-breeches are finely structured, with creamy white petals that extend outward gracefully. Each bloom is uniquely shaped, consisting of two outer petals that form the “pantaloons”, and inner petals that add to the flower’s intricate architecture. These blossoms attract early pollinators, particularly bumblebees, which are adept at navigating their complex structure to reach the nectar within.

Habitat-wise, Dutchman’s-breeches thrive in rich, moist, deciduous forests. They carpet the woodland floor, often forming extensive colonies that add a delicate touch of white to the spring landscape. Their ability to grow in shaded areas underlines their adaptability and importance within their native ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity and health of forested areas.

Despite their fragile appearance, these plants have a robust reproductive strategy. After the blooming period, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the rhizomes persist underground, ensuring the plant’s resurgence the following spring.

In cultivating Dutchman’s-breeches, it requires specific conditions to mimic its natural habitat. Gardeners aiming to include this plant in their landscapes should consider shaded areas with well-drained, fertile soil. Being a part of poppy family, careful attention to maintaining suitable soil moisture is essential during its active growth period.

Dutchman’s-breeches, with its dreamy floral display and delicate foliage, not only enhances garden aesthetics but also plays a significant role in sustaining the early-spring insect population. Its historical and botanical legacy, first chronicled in Linnaea, continues to enchant botanists and nature enthusiasts alike, ensuring its place as a beloved harbinger of spring.

Common Names

Eng: dutchman’s breeches, dutchman’s-breeches, turkey-corn, dutchman’s britches, soldier’s cap
Swe: sjömanshjärta
Fra: dicentre à capuchon, culottes de hollandais, dicentre capuchon-jaune, dicentre en capuchon
En: Dutchman’s-breeches, Turkey-corn, Dutchman’s breeches, DUTCHMANS BREECHES, Dutchman’s britches, Soldier’s cap
Fi: Keijunpikkusydän
Fr: Dicentre à capuchon, Culottes de Hollandais, Dicentre capuchon-jaune, Dicentre en capuchon
De: Kapuzen-Herzblume
Sv: Sjömanshjärta

Synonyms

• Fumaria pallida (Salisb.)
• Diclytra cucullaria ((L.) DC.)
• Diclytra cucullaria var. divaricata (DC.)
• Bikukulla cucullaria ((L.) Millsp.)
• Bicuculla cucullaria ((L.) Millsp.)
• Corydalis bracteosa ((DC.) Spreng.)
• Bicuculla occidentalis (Rydb.)
• Dielytra bracteosa ((DC.) G.Don)
• Diclytra bracteosa (DC.)
• Dicentra cucullaria f. purpuritincta (Eames)
• Corydalis cucullaria ((L.) Pers.)
• Fumaria bicalcarata (Stokes)
• Fumaria cucullaria (L.)
• Capnorchis occidentalis ((Rydb.) House)
• Cucularia bulbosa (Raf.)
• Dielytra cucullaria ((L.) G.Don)
• Dicentra occidentalis ((Rydb.) Fedde)
• Capnorchis cucullaria ((L.) Planch.)
• Dicentra cucullaria var. occidentalis ((Rydb.) M.Peck)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 2, 2021 by Oosaagi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2021 by limor inbar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2019 by Carole England (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2019 by Pericles Nacionales (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by K O (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 13, 2014 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 13, 2014 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 3, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 5, 2014 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Oosaagi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Cara P (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2020 by Kimberly Bright (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2020 by Josalyn Josalyn Wease (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Ken W (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by J Vandenberg (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by April Treece (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 20, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 21, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2015 by EOL − smwhite (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888548)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:672639-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth