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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Dicentra eximia (Ker-Gawl.) Torr.
Turkey corn, Fringed bleedinghearts, Wild bleedingheart
Fumariaceae (Fumitory Family)
USDA Symbol: DIEX
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Fringed bleedinghearts is a bushy, perennial with light-green, much-dissected, ferny leaves and clusters of drooping, heart-shaped, magenta-pink flowers. Several deep pink to red, drooping, heart-shaped flowers along a leafless stem. The plants are quick to send up new leaves and in no time form mounds 1-2 ft. tall and up to 3 ft. across. It colonizes very slowly by rhizomes.
This native perennial is common in the southern mountains. It resembles the showier Asian Bleeding Heart (D. spectabilis), which is often cultivated in eastern gardens.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Size Notes: Normally 9 to 12 inches but can reach 2 feet
Flower: Flowers 1/2 inch
Fruit: Green pods, black seeds, 1 inch
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: Color ranges from white to various shades of pink to purple. Can bloom from early spring to frost.
Distribution
USA: GA , IL , MA , MD , MI , NC , NJ , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , VT , WVNative Distribution: PA & WV, s. to NC & TN in mountains
Native Habitat: Rich, wooded slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Moist, humus-rich, acid, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Is heat tolerant if planted in rich, moist soil in shade.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: A long-blooming, evergreen plant for Eastern shade gardens.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root Division , SeedsDescription: Propagate by seed sown immediately or in the spring after a cold-moist period. Self-sows readily, so look for transplants around the parent. Can also be increased rapidly by division in fall or early spring.
Seed Collection: Seeds mature throughout the growing season. Periodically check the light green capsules for mature, shiny-black seeds. Do not allow the seeds to dry out. Store in damp sphagnum in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: Four weeks of cold-moist stratification.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Dicentra eximia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Dicentra eximia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Dicentra eximia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-10-03Research By: TWC Staff
