Dutchman's Breeches

Dicentra cucullaria

Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is a spring ephemeral plant with white flowers in early spring. They prefer moist to average soil in part sun or shade making them well-suited for shaded slopes where they’ll grow about 6 inches tall. They should be interplanted with species that fill in the voids left once dormant in summer. Companion plants include Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata) and Rosy Sedge (Carex rosea).

Maintenance

No serious maintenance needs. Soils should be well drained.

About

Light Requirements
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Slopes
Soil Requirements
Loam, Organically Rich Soil
Height
Very Short
Spacing
6 inches
Category
Seasonal
Attracts
Bees, Butterflies
Illinois Native Plant Status
Illinois Native, Indiana Native
Bloom Time
March, April
Bloom Color
White
Seasonality
Spring
Sociability
Groups of 10-20