Dutchman's Breeches

Description:

(Dutchman's breeches) is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to rich woods of eastern North America. The common name Dutchman's breeches derives from their white flowers that look like white breeches. Height is 15–40 cm. Root is a cluster of small pink to white teardrop-shaped bulblets. Leaves are 10–36 cm long and 4–18 cm broad, with a petiole up to 15 cm long; they are trifoliate, with finely divided leaflets. Flowers are white, 1–2 cm long, and are born in spring on flower stalks 12–25 cm long.

Habitat:

This one was spotted in a moist forest at the Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve near Clarks Hill (McCormick County), SC.

Notes:

Dutchman's breeches is one of many plants whose seeds are spread by ants, a process called myrmecochory. The seeds have a fleshy organ called an elaiosome that attracts ants. The ants take the seeds to their nest, where they eat the elaiosomes, and put the seeds in their nest debris, where they are protected until they germinate. They also get the added bonus of growing in a medium made richer by the ant nest debris. Native Americans and early white practitioners considered this plant useful for syphilis, skin conditions and as a blood purifier. Dutchman's breeches contains several alkaloids that may have effects on the brain and heart. However, D. cucullaria may be toxic and causes contact dermatitis in some people.