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Turkey-corn

Dicentra canadensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Turkey-corn (Dicentra canadensis)
Photo: (c) Mark Eanes, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mark Eanes

Toxicity unknown

Turkey-corn (Dicentra canadensis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CT, IA, IL, IN and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsPiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Turkey-corn is a delicate native wildflower that produces charming white or pinkish heart-shaped flowers in early spring. This small woodland plant emerges early, blooms for several weeks in April and May, then goes dormant by midsummer, disappearing completely until the following spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Turkey-corn takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Goes completely dormant by midsummer leaving bare soil
  • May appear as missing plants or dead spots
  • Too ephemeral for maintained front yard appearance

Wildlife value

The early spring blooms provide nectar for native bees and flies when few other flowers are available. This makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.

Common questions

How much sun does Turkey-corn need?
Turkey-corn grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Turkey-corn bloom?
Turkey-corn blooms in April and May.
Where is Turkey-corn native?
Turkey-corn (Dicentra canadensis) is native to CT, IA, IL, IN and 18 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Turkey-corn attract?
Turkey-corn draws bees and flies.
Is Turkey-corn HOA-friendly?
Turkey-corn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Turkey-corn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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