Bloodroot

It is one of many plants whose seeds are spread by ants. They take the seeds to their nest and put the seeds in their nest debris, where they are protected until they germinate.

It is planted mainly for ornamental purposes. The extract is used in dental hygiene products. The United States FDA has approved it to be included in toothpastes as an antibacterial or anti-plaque agent.

Native American artists used it as a popular natural red dye.