The Lamprocapnos spectabilis, commonly known as the bleeding heart, is a herbaceous perennial plant prized for its distinctive, heart-shaped pink and white flowers that dangle from arching stems. From a botanical perspective, it is a plant that has evolved certain strategies to survive and reproduce, and a key part of that survival involves deterring predators that would consume its tissues and hinder its growth.
Bleeding heart plants are generally considered to be deer-resistant. This resistance is not a physical barrier but a form of chemical defense. The plant contains isoquinoline alkaloids, which are chemical compounds that make it unpalatable and potentially toxic to mammals like deer. When a deer samples the foliage or flowers, it finds the taste bitter and unpleasant, leading it to avoid consuming the plant in favor of more tasty vegetation in the landscape. Therefore, in the ongoing evolutionary battle between plant and herbivore, the bleeding heart has developed a successful deterrent.
Similar to deer, rabbits also tend to avoid eating bleeding heart plants. The same alkaloids that deter deer are effective against rabbits. Young rabbits, like many young animals, might nibble out of curiosity, but they quickly learn to avoid the plant. The foliage, particularly the newer, more tender growth in early spring, could be subject to a test bite, but it is rarely a preferred food source. The plant's chemical makeup ensures that it is low on the list of desirable snacks for foraging rabbits, allowing it to flourish without significant predation from them.
The bleeding heart's primary pest resistance is chemical, but its life cycle also contributes to its survival. It is an ephemeral plant, meaning its above-ground growth cycle is short. It emerges vigorously in early spring, flowers, and then its foliage yellows and dies back as summer heat arrives. This rapid growth and early dormancy mean it is only present and vulnerable for a limited window of time, reducing its exposure to pests. While it is growing, its main concerns are typically aphids or slugs, which can be managed. Its evolutionary investment in alkaloids rather than thorns or tough leaves has proven highly effective against larger mammalian herbivores.
It is crucial to note that the terms "deer-resistant" or "rabbit-resistant" are not absolute guarantees. In times of extreme food scarcity, such as a prolonged drought or a harsh winter with limited resources, both deer and rabbits may eat plants they would normally avoid, including bleeding hearts. A hungry animal is less discerning. However, under normal conditions, the plant's natural defenses hold strong. This inherent resistance makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking beautiful, low-maintenance plants that are unlikely to become a primary food source for local wildlife.
