© Quinten Wiegersma, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · iNaturalist
Overview
Enemion spp. is a small genus of about five to seven herbaceous perennials in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, sometimes included in the related genus Isopyrum spp.. They grow in temperate woodlands of North America and eastern Asia, forming low, delicate clumps 6 to 16 in (15 to 40 cm) tall. The compound leaves are divided into rounded, lobed leaflets on slender stalks, giving an airy, fern-like effect similar to true rue anemone and meadow rue. In early to mid spring the plants carry small white flowers about 0.5 to 0.75 in (12 to 20 mm) across, in which the five to many white parts are petal-like sepals rather than true petals, surrounding a cluster of pale stamens. E. biternatum, false rue anemone, is the species seen in eastern North American spring woodlands, where it spreads into low colonies. Plants go dormant in summer once the canopy closes. They need cool, moist, shaded conditions and do not persist in hot, dry, or sunny sites.
Native Range
Native to temperate woodlands of North America and eastern Asia. E. biternatum occurs across the eastern and central United States, while other species grow in China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland and shade gardens, native-plant borders, and naturalised drifts under deciduous trees. The early flowers combine with other spring ephemerals such as trilliums and Mertensia spp.. It works as a seasonal ground cover in moist shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'4"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in early to mid spring, often from March to May, ahead of full leaf-out in the woodland canopy. The white flowers open over a few weeks. Seed ripens by early summer, after which the foliage yellows and dies back.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green to blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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