An early spring wildflower with lacy, fernlike foliage and unusual white (sometimes pinkish) flowers. Dutchman's breeches grows in wooded areas, appearing before the trees have leafed out. It is a spring ephemeral, which means once it blooms and produces seed in May, it goes dormant for the rest of the season. While it is not edible, there may be some medicinal uses.

Uses: Shade gardens, bees
Bloom time: March - May

Height: 4 to 8 inches
Space: 8 to 12 inches

Sun: Medium to full shade
Moisture: Average

Seed: The small, black seeds are dispersed by ants (myrmecochory). It is best to sow as soon as possible after it has ripened. Germinates the following spring. Plants can be slow to mature from seed but may begin flowering in 2 to 4 years.

• ~200 seeds per packet
• 17,500 seeds per ounce
• 1 ounce per 580 square feet (for 30 seeds per square foot)