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Anemone multifida
Pacific anemone
Overview
Anemone multifida is a clump-forming perennial growing 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) tall, with deeply divided, hairy basal leaves cut into narrow segments. From late spring into summer it bears cup-shaped flowers 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) across on slender, branching stems, in shades of cream, pale yellow, or red-tinged, each with five to nine petal-like sepals around a cluster of yellow stamens. The flowers are followed by rounded heads of woolly, cottony seed that catch the wind. The foliage is covered in silky hairs that give a grayish cast. Plants are short-lived perennials, often persisting three to four years, but renew themselves from self-sown seed. Anemone multifida grows in full sun to part shade on gritty, well-drained soil and tolerates dry, rocky ground once established. All parts contain protoanemonin and are irritating if eaten or in contact with sensitive skin. The plant declines on heavy, wet soil where the crown rots. Bloom is sparse in deep shade.
Native Range
Anemone multifida is native to North and South America, ranging from Alaska and across Canada and the western United States to the Andes of South America. It grows on cliffs, rocky slopes, gravelly meadows, and open woodland.Suggested Uses
Planted in rock gardens, gravel beds, and the front of sunny, well-drained borders, spaced 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) apart. Used in naturalistic and alpine plantings among other dryland perennials. The woolly seed heads extend interest after the flowers fade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'6"
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to pale yellow, sometimes red-tingedFoliage Description
gray-green, silky-hairyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-12 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
Grow in full sun to part shade on gritty, sharply drained soil, including lean and stony ground. Water through dry spells while establishing, then rely on rainfall, as the plant tolerates dry, rocky conditions. Leave some seed heads to self-sow, since the plant is short-lived and renews from seedlings. All parts contain an irritant sap, so contact with cut stems can redden sensitive skin. Heavy, wet winter soil rots the crown and shortens the plant's life. Bloom thins in deep shade.Pruning
Cut back spent flower stems after bloom unless seed is wanted for self-sowing. Tattered foliage is removed in late winter before new growth begins. No other pruning is needed.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