Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)

= Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) =
Dutchman's Breeches, scientifically named Dicentra cucullaria, is a native herbaceous perennial found in woodlands of Ontario. This delicate plant is recognized for its distinctive, pantaloon-shaped white flowers that bloom in early spring. Resembling tiny pairs of upside-down trousers, the white petals make a unique and humorous sight! Indigenous communities use various parts of the plant for traditional medicinal purposes. 
Dicentra cucullaria is one of the plants spread by a process called myrmecochory, meaning ants take the seeds to their nest and partially eat it, with the remains being protected by the ants and later germinating as a result.Wikipedia
== Dormancy ==
Dicentra cucullaria is a Spring Ephemeral, which means it grows quickly in spring and provides early nutrition for pollinators and animals before going dormant for the rest of the year. This means it's appearance in Spring is a lovely, yet fleeting, moment. For the rest of the season Dutchman's Breeches go back in the closet, hiding beneath the soil until next Spring.
== Sowing and Reproduction ==
There is no gender requirement to grow Dutchman's Breeches. The plant is bisexual and pollination is all it needs.
Method
Sow seeds just below the surface of the soil. It is also popular to start from corms, versus seeds.
Cold Stratification
It's recommended to store it moist in sand or vermiculite in a warm place for a couple of weeks and then sow it outdoors or put in the fridge for at least 6 weeks, depending on which method you'd like to use.Everwilde Farms Other sources state that Dutchman's Breeches needs Double Dormancy.Prairie Moon Nursery
== Harvesting ==
Gather the small pea-like pods when they are swollen and yellow, or just before they begin to split open. Dry briefly to allow the capsules to open and harvest the shiny, black seeds inside. Manually open seed pods that don't cooperate and separate chaff. Wild Plants From Seed
== Storage ==
Do NOT allow the Dicentra cucullaria seeds to dry out. They must be stored in moist vermiculite or sand until sowing or sowed immediately. 
== Toxicity ==
Strength: Low severity.
Toxic to:
* Humans: All parts are toxic in large quantities.NC State Extension Contact dermatitis (Wear Gloves)
* Dogs and Cats: Very toxic, can cause big problems compared to the human toxicity including death.
* Livestock: Extremely toxic to cattle and can cause convulsions and deathCornell Botanical Gardens