Dicentra canadensis aka Turkey Corn

Dicentra canadensis, or squirrel corn, belongs to the poppy family. This small perennial grows from tubers and forms clumps. Its native range spans southeastern Canada and central and eastern America. It grows in damp woods, often near rocky outcrops. These sites offer rich soil beneath trees that shed leaves. Squirrels and mice seek out its small root tubers.

Garden plants stand about 1 foot (0.3 m) tall. RHS gives an upper height and spread of 1.6 feet (0.5 m). NC State lists shorter plants, just 0.25–0.42 feet (0.08–0.13 m) tall. Its listed spread reaches 1 foot (0.3 m). The grey-green leaves grow from the base of the plant. Each triangular leaf divides three times, giving a fine, lacy look. Their undersides look pale and feel waxy. The leaves die back as the plant enters summer dormancy.

Fragrant blooms hang from curved stems in April and May. Each raceme bears four to eight heart-shaped flowers with two spurs. The flowers look white, sometimes with pink or pale purple tones. Sources give flower lengths from 0.04–0.08 feet (0.013–0.025 m). Bees visit the flowers, and the plant also attracts butterflies. Brown seed capsules hang from the stems in June. Each flattened, oval capsule splits into two sections, freeing several seeds. Ants help spread the seeds.

Grow squirrel corn in a sheltered spot with partial shade. It also tolerates deep shade beneath trees. Give it moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Loam and clay suit it, with acid to neutral pH. Its hardiness ratings are USDA zones 4–7 and RHS H5. Growth is moderate, and plants need little routine care. They need no pruning and suit small groups in woodland gardens. They also fit shaded borders and spaces beneath shrubs. Later-growing perennials can fill gaps left by the summer dormancy.

Slugs and snails may eat new leaves, but diseases are uncommon. Deer and rabbits tend to leave the plant alone. Seed germination can be slow and hard to achieve. Division offers another way to raise new plants. All parts can poison people when eaten in large amounts. Symptoms include vomiting, shaking, poor balance, and breathing trouble. Repeated sap contact may briefly irritate skin. One source lists roots as edible but gives no preparation details. That limited record does not establish safe use as food.