Hardy, perennial North American native Description: Single, pure white flowers bloom in early spring as the leaf emerges. Pinkish flowers occur rarely. Habit: Deeply lobed, palm-like leaf. Named for the thick roots that have orange-red juice. Culture: Found in rich, deciduous forests from Maine to Florida. Thrives in shady, moist, humus-rich environments. Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3 Origin: North America Jefferson documented This charming American wildflower grows along the northern slopes and river bottoms of Monticello mountain and Jefferson observed it blooming at Shadwell on April 6, 1766. He called it "Puckoon" (its Native American name) and watched its spring progression along with the narcissus, Virginia bluebells, and purple flag. By April 13, Jefferson's birthday, the Puckoon flowers had fallen. The early American botanist John Bartram collected specimens and sent them to his European patrons. Although the roots are poisonous, they were prescribed as a headache remedy and as a stimulant in small doses. This plant will ship bare root.Grade: #1Bare root planting tips: If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center. Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery. Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
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