Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Dutchman's Breeches
Dicentra cucullaria
[C-value
6]
Fumitory family (Fumariaceae)
Blooms mid-April -
mid-May
The native Dutchman's Breeches is a common plant in our undisturbed woodlands. It prefers dappled sunlight and slightly moist fertile loamy soil. This perennial is about 4-8" tall with a rosette of basal leaves about 6" across, ternately compound and divided into 3 primary leaflets that are divided into 3 secondary leaflets. From the center of the rosette, a raceme of 2-6 pairs of white flowers occurs, usually bending to one side, with the flowers drooping upside-down from their pedicels. Each flower is about ¾" long and assumes the form of an upside-down Dutchman's breeches. It consists of 2 outer petals that are white and 2 inner petals that are pale yellow.
Dutchman's Breeches at Millbrook South Forest Preserve April 23, 2014
Dutchman's Breeches at Millbrook South Forest Preserve woodland May 4, 2013
Dutchman's Breeches at Millbrook South Forest Preserve woodland May 4, 2013
Dutchman's Breeches foliage at Millbrook South Forest Preserve May 4, 2013
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