Bloodflower

Beautiful ornamental plant with small ornate fiery yellow, orange, and crimson flowers. Its flowers are brightly colored which makes it an ideal plant for attracting milkweed butterflies like the monarch! Interestingly enough, when monarch caterpillars are raised on milkweed, they develop a bitter taste that makes birds sick when they feed on them. Its a protective mechanism that keeps birds from feeding on monarch caterpillars and butterflies! Caution must be taken around bloodflowers milk and sap as they are known irritants. Keep away from the eyes! This herb has been used traditionally in America, Jamaica and Indonesia as a remedy for snakebites, dysentery, pneumonia and several other conditions. Sow from seed, or split roots in spring. Loves sun. Drought tolerant and deer resistant. Needs very little maintained. Ht 18-36in (46-90cm).