How much sun does Wild bleeding-heart need?

Wild bleeding-heart grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Wild bleeding-heart bloom?

Wild bleeding-heart blooms in April, May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Wild bleeding-heart native?

Wild bleeding-heart (Dicentra eximia) is native to KY, MD, NC, NJ and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Wild bleeding-heart attract?

Wild bleeding-heart draws bumble bees and hummingbirds.

Wild bleeding-heart

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dicentra eximia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Wild bleeding-heart (Dicentra eximia) is a perennial forb native to KY, MD, NC, NJ and 5 more states. It blooms in April, May, June, July, August, and September. The flowers draw bumble bees and hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Wild bleeding-heart (Dicentra eximia) 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

12"–18" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

KY, MD, NC, NJ and 5 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees, hummingbirds

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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Coastal Zone Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians

A compact woodland perennial with finely dissected, fern-like blue-green foliage that forms a neat mound. Nodding, heart-shaped pink to red flowers rise on slender stalks over a long bloom period.

Growing Wild bleeding-heart

Grow Wild bleeding-heart in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 18 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The long, repeat-blooming flowers draw hummingbirds and bumble bees through much of the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Wild bleeding-heart need?: Wild bleeding-heart grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Wild bleeding-heart bloom?: Wild bleeding-heart blooms in April, May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Wild bleeding-heart native?: Wild bleeding-heart (Dicentra eximia) is native to KY, MD, NC, NJ and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Wild bleeding-heart attract?: Wild bleeding-heart draws bumble bees and hummingbirds.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

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