Bloodroot is one of the earliest wildflowers to appear, blooming from late winter through early spring. Its “root,” a thick rhizome surrounded by fibrous roots, is distinctive for its reddish-orange hue. The plant’s primary bioactive compounds are alkaloids, with sanguinarine being the most notable. This low-growing wildflower is native to eastern North America and is recognized for its eye-catching white, cup-shaped blooms that emerge alongside a single, large, deeply lobed leaf. Its bright red sap, which flows when the plant is cut, gives it the name “bloodroot.” The solitary white flowers, featuring 8-10 petals, often bloom before the leaves have fully unfurled. These flowers open during the day and close at night, thriving in rich, moist woodlands and areas along streams.