It's #ForbFriday and today we are talking about one of the cutest lil spring ephemerals of Eastern forests, Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). Dutchman's breeches are named for their adorable "pantaloon" like flowers which bloom in early spring, typically from March to April. This native wildflower ranges throughout most of the Eastern North America, and occurs in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, where it grows infrequently along stream corridors. Dutchman's Breeches has a specialized floral structure and mechanism which requires bumblebees for successful pollination. The outer and inner petals split to expose the reproductive parts of the flower, which the bumblebee will sweep past when searching for nectar. This species, like many spring ephemerals, produces seeds that attract ants, which spread the seeds in a process called myrmecochory. The seeds have a fleshy elaisome or appendage which the ants utilize as food before discarding the seed in their trash middens. This creates a rich medium for the seed to then germinate in a protected place. Dutchman's breeches grow best in woodland soils that are rich with organic matter, preferably in moist and shady locations. They can be difficult to cultivate and do not transplant well. Protecting slopes and rich forest habitat is critical to providing habitat for this species, as well as many other early blooming spring ephemerals. ?? What is a forb? A #forb is an herbaceous (non-woody) flowering plant, excluding grasses which also flower, but are termed "graminoids." Like and follow our page, and North American Land Trust for future Forb Friday highlights!
