Anemonastrum canadense
canada anemone
Overview
Anemonastrum canadense is a spreading herbaceous perennial native to North America, growing 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall from vigorous, creeping rhizomes. The deeply divided, palmate basal leaves have three to five sharply toothed segments and form a low mass of foliage. In late spring and early summer the plant raises single white flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across on upright stems, each bloom with five petal-like sepals around a center of yellow stamens. The flowers are followed by rounded, bristly seed heads. A. canadense spreads quickly by rhizomes to form dense colonies in moist meadows, prairies, stream banks, and open woods, and it can become aggressive in garden beds, crowding out less vigorous plants. It tolerates a range of soils as long as moisture is steady, and grows in full sun to part shade. The sap contains protoanemonin and can irritate skin, and the plant is mildly toxic if eaten. The foliage often persists into fall before dying back. Growth is fast once established, and a single plant can spread well beyond its original space within a few seasons. It tolerates wet ground that many perennials cannot.
Native Range
Anemonastrum canadense is native to central and eastern North America, from Quebec and Alberta south to Maryland, Missouri, and New Mexico. It grows in moist meadows, prairies, stream banks, lake shores, and open woods.Suggested Uses
A. canadense is used as a groundcover in rain gardens, moist meadows, pond edges, and naturalized borders where its spread is welcome. It binds soil on damp banks and fills large shaded or sunny areas. Plants are spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart, with room to spread.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow stamensFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
A. canadense grows in full sun to part shade and favors moist to wet, fertile soil, tolerating clay and seasonal flooding. Water needs are moderate to high, and the plant declines in dry, sandy soil. Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, it overwinters as dormant rhizomes. It spreads aggressively by rhizome and can overrun small beds, so a contained or wild setting suits it. The sap can irritate skin during handling. Cutting back after bloom keeps the foliage fresh and limits self-seeding.Pruning
A. canadense can be cut back after flowering to tidy the foliage and reduce self-seeding. Spent stems and seed heads are removed in late summer or fall. Dividing or edging the colony in spring helps keep its spread in check.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons