Blood Root - the plant

This is what the Blood root plant looks like above the ground. The root system below the ground it what is used in dyes. These roots are long tubular roots. The nuts lying among the plants in this photo are acorns, not part of the Blood root plant. The little white flowers are those of the Blood root and it blooms in the spring of the year. Although some sites call bloodroot extremely poisonous, for dye purposes, I don't think you're in any danger, but I don't think I'd say drink a glass of it...:) Just rinse your hands well when you're using it.

More scientific info on the Blood root:

• http://2bnthewild.com/plants/H261.htm
• http://scienceviews.com/plants/bloodroot.html
• http://www.kroger.com/hn/Herb/Bloodroot.htm

The last link gives you info on medicinal uses of Blood root, apparently the effectiveness of Blood root used in this manner is controversial.