The Pacific bleeding heart, or western bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) is a flowering plant in the poppy family that can grow up to 1.5 feet in height. Its attractive heart-shaped flowers come in all Valentine’s day shades: pink, red, purple and white. The leaves of the Pacific bleeding heart are fernlike and lacy.
Blooming period: May to July
Habitat: Moist areas of redwood forests and oak woodlands.
Where to find: Keep an eye out for Pacific bleeding hearts in El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, Los Trancos Open Space Preserve and La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve.
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![Pacific bleeding hearts at Los Trancos (Shree Padmini Kokali)](/sites/default/files/styles/16x9_400w/public/LT_SPK_Shree-Padmini-Kokali-iNaturalist_plants-flowers-bleeding-hearts_20200524_01.jpg?h=ce6aca4e&itok=KqO7FWBs)