Sunday, April 26, 2009

Dutchman's Breeches/ Today's Flowers

Dutchman's breeches aka squirrel corn

I once read a poetic description that said Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) look like laundry fluttering on washday. What do you think?

Blooming now in East Gwillimbury, Dutchman's breeches are wildflowers between 6 and 12 inches tall. The flowers are about ¾ of an inch across.


Dutchman's breeches bloom in moist deciduous woodlands popping up from tiny bulbs in early spring. They go dormant when the weather grows hot.

Please note: Monochrome Maniacs is the post below.

If you love flowers -- and who doesn't - check out Today's Flowers at http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/
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29 comments:

  1. Rune EideApril 26, 2009 at 1:50 PM

    That was an interesting comparison. When I glimpsed the first picture I thought of geese hanging up/side down to dry! Than I saw that it was something altogether more pretty.

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  2. Betsy Banks AdamsApril 26, 2009 at 3:19 PM

    Pretty flowers, EG... Don't think I've ever seen this one. AND it does look a little like clothes hanging on the line.... CUTE!!!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  3. Liz HindsApril 26, 2009 at 4:02 PM

    What a very descriptive name! And, yes, they do like washing on the line.

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  4. i beatiApril 26, 2009 at 4:25 PM

    They don't grow here but I always loved them and bleeding hearts growing up Sandy

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  5. That is the chickenApril 26, 2009 at 4:42 PM

    I thnik they look more like baby chicks pecking...very pretty. You have flowers?!?!?

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  6. Digital Flower PicturesApril 26, 2009 at 4:54 PM

    Those are just great. Thanks for posting and reminding of this nice flower.

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  7. kdenApril 26, 2009 at 4:58 PM

    I just had to say that these look so much like the bleeding hearts we have. I've never seen Dutchman's Breeches before, so cute.

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  8. EbieApril 26, 2009 at 5:11 PM

    I agree with the poetic description. And it has a pretty name, but they are just cute little bloomers.

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  9. RoseApril 26, 2009 at 5:23 PM

    I am not sure about the comparison, but can't come up with one of my own. I do think they are beautiful though!

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  10. VALKYRIENApril 26, 2009 at 5:44 PM

    I only see beautiful flowers! But reading the comments, I have to say I agree with RuneE!

    I didn't know they are a wild flower though.

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  11. DrowseyMonkey-PhotosApril 26, 2009 at 5:51 PM

    These are so pretty - look similar to an orchid I just bought, they're the same colour.

    I like the comparison to laundry as I do enjoy watching laundry fluttering in the wind.

    By the way - you have the wrong link at Today's Flowers ... but I found ya anyway ... you may want to go update it tho.

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  12. Jane Hards PhotographyApril 26, 2009 at 5:54 PM

    How strange. Never seen these before and sure I won't here. Great desription.

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  13. NaturegirlApril 26, 2009 at 6:41 PM

    A flower I've never seen before today! I do think that it is the prettiest laundry that I've seen fluttering! :)

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  14. AnonymousApril 26, 2009 at 7:55 PM

    Pretty hanging flowers...so rare and this is another never seen before flower. I'm learning and seeing so much.

    BTW, your link at Today's Flowers is taking us to your other blog. :)

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  15. kayleenApril 26, 2009 at 8:05 PM

    They are so pretty and dainty. Lovely photos. Whenever I see them in pictures I always want to pinch them ever so slightly to see if they open like a snapdragon. Never think to do it when I see them in person however.

    Nebraska Birding

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  16. LowellApril 26, 2009 at 8:08 PM

    I've never heard of these and don't remember seeing any but they are so beautiful....thanks for posting them today!

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  17. JanApril 26, 2009 at 8:23 PM

    Just beautiful. It's a new flower, to me.

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  18. LeoraApril 26, 2009 at 10:01 PM

    Oh, yeah, they do look like someone's laundry (not mine, too white, too clean).

    Are they the same as bleeding hearts or cousins of bleeding hearts? I have one on the side of my house, and I'm waiting for it to flower.

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  19. UnknownApril 26, 2009 at 11:02 PM

    I don't think I have ever noticed these. They look a wee bit like snapdragons but those are not wild, I don't think.

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  20. AnonymousApril 27, 2009 at 12:53 AM

    Wonderful-looking flower. I like the name.

    Paz

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  21. Small City ScenesApril 27, 2009 at 2:40 AM

    beautiful. I do like them. So similar to Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectibilis) only (again) different. I'll post mine when the come up and bloom. Soon! MB

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  22. Müge TekilApril 27, 2009 at 4:00 AM

    I didn't know this flower! It is very beautiful and looks fragile! Have a great new week! :-)

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  23. DarlaApril 27, 2009 at 10:45 AM

    Those flowers do kind of look like laundry on a line although I'm not sure about Dutchman's Breeches.

    Darla

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  24. PERBSApril 27, 2009 at 11:34 AM

    They are an odd shape! Very nice capture! I have never seen them before.

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  25. AnonymousApril 27, 2009 at 1:55 PM

    That cabbage is neat great colors and interesting texture!
    mine is here
    http://aguthrieimages.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/blue-macro-monday/

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  26. Pat - ArkansasApril 27, 2009 at 9:28 PM

    Charming, beautiful little flowers, aptly named. Superb photos, as usual.:)

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  27. Lulda CasadagaApril 27, 2009 at 11:05 PM

    Just lovely...and I agree with RuneE...they look like geese! :)

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  28. Reader WilApril 30, 2009 at 4:09 AM

    Dutchman's breeches! I like that! It probably refers to the breeches of one of the national costumes in Holland. Lovely picture!

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  29. GeorgeApril 30, 2009 at 10:28 PM

    I guess they do look like Dutchman's breeches, but your photos are definitely wonderful.

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