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Anemonopsis spp.
false anemone
Overview
Anemonopsis spp. is a genus in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, with a single species, A. macrophylla, the false anemone, endemic to cool mountain woodlands of central Japan. It is a clump-forming perennial 24-39 in (60-100 cm) tall with large, two to three times divided compound leaves whose toothed leaflets give a ferny, layered look to the foliage mound. In late summer, slender dark stems rise above the leaves and arch over, carrying loose racemes of nodding flowers. Each waxy flower is 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm) across and combines spreading lilac-purple outer sepals with a cup of paler, incurved petal-like inner segments, so the bloom resembles a small waxy anemone. Flowering is followed by upright dry follicles holding the seed. The plant grows from a slow-spreading rootstock and dies back over winter. Anemonopsis spp. needs cool, shaded, consistently moist conditions and struggles in heat, dry air, or strong sun. All parts are likely toxic if eaten, as in related buttercups.
Native Range
Anemonopsis spp. is endemic to Japan, where A. macrophylla grows in moist, shaded mountain forests on the island of Honshu, chiefly in the cool, humid understorey of deciduous woodland.Suggested Uses
Anemonopsis spp. is grown in shaded woodland gardens, peat beds, and cool moist borders, and in containers kept in shade, where its late-summer flowers extend the woodland season. The nodding flowers draw bumblebees. It pairs with ferns, hostas, and other shade plants that share its moisture needs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'3"
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in mid to late summer (roughly July-September in the Northern Hemisphere), later than most woodland perennials, with the nodding lilac flowers opening in succession along arching racemes over four to six weeks. Cool, shaded sites prolong the flowers. Dry seed follicles develop into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• 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
Anemonopsis spp. needs a cool, sheltered, shaded position in deep, humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist but drains freely, mirroring its Japanese mountain-forest origin. It performs poorly where summers are hot and dry or where roots dry out, and foliage scorches in direct sun or drying wind. Shelter, leaf-mould mulch, and steady moisture support healthy clumps. The plant is slow to establish and slow to recover from disturbance, so it is left undivided once settled and is usually increased from fresh seed. It is fully cold-hardy but slow-growing, taking several years to build a sizeable clump.Pruning
Pruning is not required. Faded flower stems can be removed after bloom, or left to ripen seed for propagation. The foliage is cut down or left to collapse after it dies back in autumn.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons