Pale pink, heart-shaped flowers are displayed above a feathery green mound of leaves. This is Pacific bleeding hearts (Dicentra formosa): one of the most distinctive blooms around. The flowers truly do resemble hearts–the upcurved shoulders look like valentines’ hearts, while a tracery of pink veins calls to mind the anatomical reference as well.
Pacific bleeding hearts are found in most of California, and north through the coastal states into Canada. Despite their unusual shape, this little flower is in the poppy family!
Flowers Of Marin 