Bloodroot, Mis•ko•wi•jii•bik

Bloodroot, (Sanguninaria candensis) is one of the earliest blooms you will find in the boreal forest around Lake Vermilion. The white eight to ten petal flowers range from three to 12 inches tall and only last a few days before dropping the petals. The plant is most likely found in rich forested areas.

Traditional Ojibwe medicine people used this plant, which they named Mis•ko•wi•jii•bik, for many different ailments including as a blood medicine, sore throats, treating fainting and fits and as a treatment for gonorrhea. The roots were also used to make a reddish dye.