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Anemone nemorosa
wood anemone
Europe and western Asia; deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and moist meadows under a deciduous tree canopyLearn more
Overview
Anemone nemorosa is wood anemone (European wood anemone), a low spreading deciduous perennial growing 3-9 inches (7-23 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide. White solitary flowers 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) with 6-8 petal-like tepals and yellow stamens, held above a whorl of 3 deeply lobed stem leaves, in March-May (4 weeks). Occasionally flushed pink or pale blue-purple on the tepal reverse. A spring ephemeral — the entire plant dies back to the ground by midsummer. The thin creeping rhizomes spread laterally 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) annually, forming a low carpet. Nemorosa = of the woodland. In Ranunculaceae. Native to Europe and western Asia. Found in deciduous woodlands under a tree canopy that leafs out after the anemones finish blooming — the spring-ephemeral lifecycle depends on early spring sunlight before the tree canopy closes. This requirement for deciduous tree shade limits placement to woodland or understory sites. The flowers open in sunlight and close at night. Not drought-tolerant. All parts toxic (protoanemonin — skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress). Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Native to Europe and western Asia. Found in deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and moist meadows under a deciduous tree canopy.Suggested Uses
Grown as a woodland ground cover under deciduous trees, in shaded rock gardens, and along woodland paths, spaced 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). Spring ephemeral — plant among ferns or hostas that fill the space after the anemone goes dormant. Toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3" - 9"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Early to mid spring (March-May). White solitary flowers 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) with 6-8 tepals and yellow stamens. 4 weeks. Flowers open in sunlight, close at night. Bee-visited. Spring ephemeral — dormant by midsummer.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White (occasionally flushed pink or pale blue-purple on the reverse of the tepals), solitary, 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm), with 6-8 petal-like tepals surrounding a central boss of yellow stamensFoliage Description
Dark green, palmate, deeply 3-lobed with toothed segments, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across; a whorl of 3 stem leaves below the flower; spring ephemeral — entire plant dies back to the ground by midsummerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 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