Oh!!! I found something today — have you been noticing all the spring perennial woodland flowers that are sprouting now? The spring ephemeral are the plants that grace us with their presence before the canopy of the leaves fill in from the trees above. I found some beauties today!
This is Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). Kind of reminds me of upside down MC Hammer pants (I will admit I did have a pair)
Several Native American groups used the plant in the past for medicinal purposes. The Iroquois, for instance, reportedly used a compound infusion of the leaves as a liniment. The Menominee are said to have used it as a love charm.
It can be used medically — however, some sources I read said that the plant is potentially poisonous and can also cause skin rashes.
But back in the day, the dried tubers were used as a tonic and were recommended in the treatment of VD. A tea made from the roots is diaphoretic and diuretic. A poultice made from the leaves has been used in the treatment of skin ailments and as a muscle rub to make them more limber. The plant contains an alkaloid that depresses the central nervous system – so it was used in the treatment of paralysis and tremors.
