Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Bloodroot is also known as Puccoon or Red Puccoon, Indian Paint, Redroot, Pauson and Tetterwort
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An April wildflower found in my nearby woods. These were blooming all over the place. For some scientific information on this interesting but toxic plant, scroll down below the photo.

This information was gleaned from a few different websites.

This is the only species of the genus Sanguinaria. While sometimes locally abundant, this plant is generally somewhat rare. It is known from areas that have been little disturbed usually on hills and mountains. A blood red juice can be extracted from the reddish orange root, actually a rhizome, hence the name Bloodroot. [Sky's note: Interestingly enough, I found these growing all along a well-used trail in the local woods, and some right on the edges of the worn part of the trail. This seems to fly in the face on the "little disturbed" information above.]

Lore: The juice from the root was used as a body paint and dye by Native Americans. Warriors painted their faces with it and maidens their bodies. Reportedly a woman was given as a bed mate to a colonist at Jamestown by a local tribe and was presented wearing only a coat of red body paint made from Bloodroot. The root juice has been used as a dye for fabrics producing a yellow orange color that is very fast. It has also been used as a charm. Young men of the Ponca tribe would put the juice of the root on their palm and contrive to shake hands with the maiden they desired to marry and in five or six days she would be willing to marry him. Applying the root or juice to the skin is a questionable activity as the plant is known to be an escharotic, a substance that kills tissue. See warnings below.

Medical Uses: Native Americans, early settlers and herbal practitioners have prescribed Bloodroot for myriad medical conditions from skin cancers to sore throats. Its most persistent and possibly valid use takes advantage of the flesh destroying properties of the root juice or powered root for treating conditions of the skin such as ringworm, warts, polyps, fungal growths and the like. Researchers are investigating the root's value in cancer treatment. An extract has long been used in toothpaste and mouthwash to fight plaque and gingivitis and this use is now sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The root has been used internally, in very small doses, to stimulate the digestive system and as an emetic. Self medication should be avoided, as the plant can be toxic. Even small doses can produce unwanted effects such as visual distortions.

Warning:T The FDA considers Bloodroot "unsafe" and urges that it not be used by herbal healers. It is far to attractive a plant to dig up anyway