Once again, Dutchman’s Breeches (dicentra cucullaria) were one of the early spring wildflowers I had a wonderful time photographing. Last year I shared my photos and info about Dutchman’s Breeches in a blog post.  So I won’t repeat the same info about the blossoms as I mentioned last year.

© 2012 Patty Hankins

What I have discovered is that the common name of these delicate flowers caused great discussion and controversy in the late 1900s! One botanist – Dr. Abbott wrote “To think that such a plant should be called ‘Dutchman’s Breeches’ If this abomination were dropped from Gray’s Manual, perhaps in time a decent substitute would come in use.”  The issue was that in Victorian times – talking about clothing that covered certain parts of men’s anatomy just wasn’t done among ladies who were likely to be discussing gardening.

© 2012 Patty Hankins

So while people agreed with John Burroughs that Dutchman’s Breeches were “among our prettiest spring flowers” – they didn’t think the name was appropriate! Who knew???

© 2012 Patty Hankins

© 2012 Patty Hankins

© 2012 Patty Hankins

I photographed the Dutchman’s Breeches at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville, Maryland and at Turkey Run Park in Virginia. Both locations are wonderful for early spring wildflowers.

Information about the controversy about calling these beautiful flowers Dutchman’s Breeches can be found int Jack Sanders’  The Secrets of Wildflowers.