Select a Plant by:


DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES/WILD BLEEDING HEART

Dicentra cucullaria

DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES PLANT
DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES PLANT
DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES PLANT
(131K) (67K) (111K)

For additional images, click:

Dicentra eximia

DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES PLANT

DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES PLANT

DUTCHMAN'S BREECHES PLANT

(154K) (87K) (189K)

For additional images, click:

Select an image to see a magnified version. Note the file size beneath each image since large files will take longer to load from home with a modem.

 
DescriptionDicentra has delicate, fern-like leaves with characteristic heart-shaped pink to white flowers.
Geographic rangeFound in the eastern and western United States.  Usually found in moist, rich soils of forests and woodlands.
Toxic principleIsoquinolone alkaloids (protoberberins) are poisonous to cattle and horses but are not toxic to sheep.  Other alkaloids in Dicentra may be responsible for poisoning in sheep.
Diagnosis

Clinical signsIn cattle, muscle tremors, staggering, and incoordination are seen.  If a larger amount of plant is ingested, projectile vomiting, convulsions, and lateral recumbancy with extensor rigidity may be seen. Animals rarely die from Dicentra poisoning.

TreatmentNone. Animals often recover when access to the plant is removed.  A saline cathartic may be given to reduce further absorption of the toxins.
Click for "Poisonous Plants of Pennsylvania" Information.


 


Copyright © 2002

University of Pennsylvania
Created by:    Alexander Chan (2003), Daphne Downs (2002), Chris Tsai (2001), Brett Begley (2000), Janet Triplett (1997)
Faculty Advisor:  Dr. Robert Poppenga