Two-leaved Toothwort is a spring ephemeral wildflower of eastern North American forests, recognized by its pair of opposite, deeply toothed compound leaves on the flowering stem. It blooms in early spring with clusters of white to pale pink four-petaled flowers before tree canopy leafout. The scaly, tooth-like rhizomes are edible with a peppery, horseradish-like flavor. It carpets forest floors in early spring before disappearing entirely by summer.
Habitat
Found in rich, moist deciduous woodlands and forested stream banks in eastern North America.
Diet
Provides early-season nectar for mining bees; host plant for West Virginia White butterfly larvae.
How common
Common
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