This is a post from my old blog. I will be transferring all my old favorites to this one eventually.
As flowers are scarce right now, I thought I would share the Dutchman's breeches found on a walk near Bull Run in Manassas, back in April 2015
As you may have guessed, it is a species of Bleeding-Hearts (Dicentra). They are also known as Dutchman's britches, Snowboys, Soldier cap, White hearts, Eardrops, Monks head, Butterfly banners, Kitten breeches, Bachelors breeches, Little boys breeches and Staggerweed. It's botanical name is Dicentra cucullaria.
It is a perennial herb that regrows year after year, and is native to the woods of eastern North America. It gets its name from the shape of its flower petals. They form an upside-down "V" which resembles a pair of pants, or "britches". Dutchman's breeches blooms in early spring, attracting bees and other pollinators. It goes dormant towards the end of summer.
At the time I made a collage of all the other flowers from that walk, names below.
Top row, left to right: Purple Violet, Spring Beauty, Redbuds
Middle row, left to right: Trout Lilly, Dutchman's Breeches, Yellow Violet
Bottom row, left to right: Redbuds (as above link), Virginia Bluebells, Purple Violet (as above link)
In your closeups, it is actually sparkling! It looks like it was dipped in glitter. I have wanted to see a real one for years, but never have. I guess they only grow in the woods, where I never go. I would hate to spoil the teddy bears picnic, you know.
ReplyDeleteNow that made me smile. Thanks Ginny :)
DeleteThose v shaped Dutchman's breeches look gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie, they are a beautiful little flower :)
DeleteTruly beautiful things. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Sue, thank you :)
DeleteIt is incredible to see so many names to name one flower. Surely delicate though
ReplyDeleteThe various names of one flower has always fascinated me and yes, very delicate. Thank you Roentare :)
DeleteGorgeous flowers and a delight to see once again, hadn't seen for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteI am happy you could see them again through my photos. Thank you Margaret :)
DeleteThe first time I ever heard of these was several years back on another blog. They're pretty.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy discovering things for the first time through blogging :) Thank you Ann!
DeleteWow...never saw a "white" bleeding heart before!!!!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Anni. Amazing right?
DeleteIndeed!
DeleteGood morning Denise :=)
ReplyDeleteYour collage is stunning to look at. So many beautiful flowers and the lovely Dutchman's Breeches in the centre image looks like they have been washed and are hanging out to dry. :=)
Good morning Breathtaking :) and thank you. So glad you enjoyed and a great description.
DeleteSo pretty, and you've captured them so well in your photos. I've just read the poem in your last post, heart wrenching, and I think any mother can identify with all those hopes and fears.
ReplyDeleteHello Jo, thank you so much :) yes, the poem tugged at my heart strings too.
DeleteThese are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you William, happy you enjoyed them :)
Deletewhichever of the names they are called by they are gorgeous, as are your photos of them. wild flowers are my favorite flowers. these are amazing.
ReplyDeleteAgree, and thank you Sandra :)
DeleteThese are awfully pretty -- I love the name, too!
ReplyDeleteYes to both, thank you Jeanie :)
DeleteHmm, the variety of wildflowers pretty much infinite it seems sometimes.
ReplyDeleteAgree Yogi and thank you :)
DeleteWhat an interesting flower. I've never seen one--or even heard of it, and I live quite close to your neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteI only see them in the Spring, and only if I remember to go to this place I know of. I find them interesting too, and very pretty especially and like all flowers, when they are in the sunshine :) Thank you GGG :)
DeleteSo nice to see these pretties on your blog today, Denise. I picked what is the last rose of the year in our garden. The Dutchman Breeches is really interesting compared to the more heart shaped ones. Thank you for sharing your exquisite photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha Ellen, and you are very welcome. The last flower in your garden? Now that's very special :)
DeleteWonderful fun post
ReplyDeleteThank you Ashok :)
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