Pacific Bleeding Heart (Dicentra Formosa) is a rhizomatous perennial found primarily in western North America. It is native to regions along the Pacific coast, extending from British Columbia down to California. In its natural habitat, Pacific Bleeding Heart can be found in shady forests, woodlands, and riparian areas, often forming large colonies in dense leaf litter among other understory plants. The unique, heart-shaped flowers hang delicately from arching stems above the fragile, fern-like foliage, and can provide beautiful displays in open woodlands.
 
Plants typically bloom from late spring to early summer, with peak bloom occurring in April to June. During this time, the pendulous flowers dangle gracefully and attract devoted bumblebees and hummingbirds, who will feed at ground level to reach the nectar. The seeds are adorned with elaiosomes (nutritious deposits of fatty acids) which makes them desirable to ants, aiding in seed dispersal through a mechanism known as myrmecochory. The delicate groundcover created by Pacific Bleeding Heart provides shelter and habitat for birds, amphibians, and small mammals. All parts of the plant are toxic, however, and consideration should be given to childrenm pets, and livestock before introducing to the landscape.
 
Pacific Bleeding Heart is well-suited for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalistic landscapes. Its preference for partial shade and moist, well-drained soils makes it an excellent choice for areas with limited direct sunlight. Germination can be achieved through fall sowing in seedling mix and lightly covering with an even mix of sand and peat fines.