I remember the first time I saw Bleeding Hearts. It was up at the base of Higher Cathedral Rock over towards the middle where not many people go (most rock climbers are either on the left for Braille Book or the right for the NE of Higher). I felt so privileged and thought about how few people get to see this. Then some years later I realized they bloom every year at the main intersection in Yosemite Village, right across the street from shuttle stop 1. Okay, so they're common and available. I my book, that just makes them that much better and I'm pleased as can be every year that I get to stop and admire that nice little patch. Maybe someday it will be gone, but for close to ten years I've been enjoying them.

Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra formosa) is in the same genus as one of my favorites, the Dicentra uniflora (Steer's Heads) though they don't particularly resemble each other at first glance. According to Botti it is uncommon in the park, but "has become a favorite ornamental in Yosemite Valley." I expect the patch I enjoy by shuttle stop 1 are descendants of escapees from one of the nearby houses. Otherwise, up in the shady areas of the south side of the valley, such as up at Higher Cathedral where I first saw them, is where to look for these.