Anemonastrum spp.

canada anemone

Ranunculaceae

Northern hemisphere temperate and montane regions

Attracts Pollinators

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–7

Overview

Anemonastrum spp. is a genus of rhizomatous perennial herbs in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, recently separated from Anemone spp. and distributed across the cool temperate and mountain regions of the northern hemisphere. Plants grow from spreading rhizomes and produce a clump of long-stalked basal leaves that are palmately lobed or divided, 2-8 in (5-20 cm) across, with toothed segments. Erect flowering stems 8-32 in (20-80 cm) tall carry one to several flowers above a collar of stem leaves. The flowers are saucer-shaped, 0.8-2 in (2-5 cm) across, usually white and sometimes flushed pink or cream on the reverse, with five to eight petal-like sepals around a centre of yellow stamens. After flowering the genus forms rounded heads of small dry fruits. A. canadense, Canada anemone, spreads widely by rhizomes and can colonise damp meadows and roadsides, while A. narcissiflorum of mountain pastures bears umbel-like clusters of white flowers. All parts contain irritant compounds that are toxic if eaten and can blister skin. The rapid spread of some species can crowd out smaller plants.

Native Range

Anemonastrum spp. occurs across northern and montane regions of the northern hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and temperate Asia. A. canadense is native to central and eastern North America, while species such as A. narcissiflorum grow in the mountains of Europe and Asia.

Suggested Uses

Anemonastrum spp. is grown in wildflower meadows, damp woodland edges, streamside plantings, and rock or alpine gardens for the mountain species. The open white flowers draw bees and other pollinators. Vigorous spreaders are kept to areas where their rhizomes have room rather than mixed perennial borders.

How to Identify

Identify Anemonastrum spp. by its clump of long-stalked, palmately divided basal leaves and erect stems carrying white saucer-shaped flowers above a ruff of stalkless stem leaves. The flowers have petal-like sepals rather than true petals, surrounding many yellow stamens. Rhizomatous spread and rounded heads of dry single-seeded fruits separate it from clump-forming wood anemones and from Anemonoides spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 2'8"

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs from late spring into summer (roughly May-July in the Northern Hemisphere), with lowland species such as A. canadense opening earlier than mountain species. The white flowers last several weeks, and a clump may produce a long succession of stems. Dry seed heads follow and persist into late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Across the genus, Anemonastrum spp. grows in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade, reflecting origins in damp meadows, streamsides, and open mountain turf. Plants need reliable moisture during growth and tolerate heavy soils that stay damp. The rhizomatous species, including A. canadense, spread quickly and suit naturalising in rough grass or damp ground rather than confined borders, where they can overrun neighbours. Mountain species are slower and prefer cooler, gritty but moisture-retentive soil. The genus is fully hardy and dies back to the rootstock over winter. Sap from cut stems and foliage can irritate skin.

Pruning

Removing spent flower stems after bloom tidies the clump and reduces self-seeding. Where rhizomatous species spread too far, the clump edges can be dug and cut back in spring or autumn. Foliage is left to die down naturally before being cleared.