Sanguinaria canadensis and Sanguisorba canadensis
Bloodroot, and double bloodroot, are plants with reddish rhizomes that have an orange sap. The sap color is the genus name Sanguinaria from the Latin – sanguinarius which means ‘bloody.’ “The red juice from the underground stem was used by Native Americans as a dye for baskets, clothing, and war paint, as well as for insect repellent.” Others do use the sap medicinally, but I am not one of them! Actually, I don’t think this happens any more. (more…)