Anemonoides, Genus, quinquefolia, Species,
- Genus & species
wood anemone
Overview
Anemonoides quinquefolia is a low spring-flowering perennial 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall that spreads by slender, creeping rhizomes into loose woodland colonies. Each stem carries a single whorl of three stalked leaves, each divided so deeply that the leaf appears to have five toothed segments, mid-green and thin. In mid to late spring a single flower rises just above the foliage, 0.75-1.25 inch (2-3 cm) across, with five to nine white, petal-like sepals that are often flushed pink or purple on the back, surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens. The flowers open in sun and close in dull weather and at night. By midsummer the whole plant dies back to the rhizome and is gone until the following spring, making it a true spring ephemeral. A. quinquefolia grows in moist deciduous woods, clearings, and stream banks across eastern North America. It needs the cool, humus-rich conditions of a forest floor and fades where summers are hot and dry.
Native Range
Anemonoides quinquefolia is native to eastern North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Georgia and west to the Mississippi valley. It grows in moist, deciduous and mixed woodlands, on shaded slopes, and along stream banks in humus-rich soil.Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland and shade gardens, native plant borders, and naturalised drifts beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. It is used as a spring ground cover that fills gaps before later perennials emerge. The early white flowers suit naturalistic and pollinator shade plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from April to June, soon after the leaves appear and before the woodland canopy closes. Each plant opens one flower that lasts one to two weeks, closing at night and in cloud. After bloom the plant sets a small head of dry seeds and then dies back by midsummer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 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
