Dutchman’s Breeches © 2021 Patty Hankins
Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) are a wonderful spring wildflower. They bloom here in the woods here n the DC area in March and April, at roughly the same time as the Spring Beauty blooms, and shortly before the Virginia Bluebells open up. They are easy to spot – just look for the soft frilly leaves with a stalk with white and yellow flowers sticking up. The flowers are pantaloon shaped, reminiscent of traditional Dutch men’s trousers – hence the name Dutchman’s Breeches. They are native to much of the Eastern United States, and the Pacific Northwest. So next spring, keep an eye out for Dutchman’s Breeches as you walk in the wood enjoying the spring wildflowers.
I photographed these Dutchman’s Breeches at Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens in Devon, Pennsylvania