 Dutchman breeches, poppy family, Dicentra cucullaria (L), Papaveraceae, ankles up position of flowers. Iroquois pounded the plant, infused it in hot water, and applied it to legs and ankles to increase strength. Root was chewed by Menominee to charm women. Breath said to attract women. Flowers, whole plant thrown at desired woman. |
Dutchman's Breeches, Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh. Papaveraceae, Poppy Family. Looks like what it is called. Not edible. Native Americans made ointment for stiffness and soreness (animal fat leaf mix). Leaf also poulticed over dermatitis and other skin ailments. Root tea used to promote sweats, diaphoretic. Native American folklore had the root as an aphrodisiac chewed by warrior to sweeten breath, attract women. |
Squirrel corn, Dicentra canadensis (L), heart shaped without extended "breeches" on flowers. |
Squirrel corn, Dicentra canadensis (L.), note the root tubers resemble corn kernels. Eastern native Americans according to Couplan ate the tuberous roots. Little documentation, given the akaloids present perhaps a dangerous practice. |