This is "Bloodroot" (Sanguinaria canadensis ), one of our earliest spring wildflowers and it is spectacular with the pearl white petals contrasting with the bright yellow stamens. It is fairly uncommon and grows generally in rich woods. This specimen was knocked askew by a fallen branch. I tried to put it back together w/o knocking anything off so you can get the idea.
The red juice from the root (hence its name) was used as a body paint and dye by Native Americans. "Sanguinaria" means "bleeding" in Latin and warriors painted their faces with it and maidens their bodies. Native Americans, early settlers and herbal practitioners have prescribed Bloodroot for myriad medical conditions from skin cancers to sore throats although the plant is quite toxic and consuming any part of it is not recommended.
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