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Anemone canadensis

Canadian wildflower, Canada anemone

Plant Details

Common Name: Canadian wildflower, Canada anemone
Family: Ranunculaceae
Mature Height: 6" - 2'
Sun Requirement: Sun to part shade
Moisture Requirement: Dry - medium, Medium - moist
Flower Color: White
Bloom Time: Early summer (June - July)
Seed Collection Date: Late summer (August - September)

June 12, 2020
June 18, 2021
June 18, 2021

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Etymology

Anemone is derived from the Greek “anemos” for wind. Canadensis is a Latin term meaning “of Canada”.

Native Habitat

River banks and flood plains, moist meadows and woodland edges.

Garden Uses

Hardy and beautiful as a ground cover or under tall native perennials or shrubs. It's vigorous, rhizomatous spread may crowd out similar-sized or smaller plantings, so plan accordingly. This plant is most aggressive in moist, sunny areas. In drier, shadier spots, it is more subdued. It is lovely when inter-planted among clump forming ferns such as cinnamon, intermediate or wood ferns.

Overview

Attractive perennial, offering showy white flowers in early summer and attractive greenery throughout the growing season. It has an upright growth habit. It spreads easily by both self-seeding and rhizomes, so site selection should allow for its tendency to spread.

Leaves and Stems

Whorled, stalkless, deeply lobed green leaves hold throughout the growing season on green, hairy upright stems. Its foliage remains attractive after blooming.

Flowers

White, cup-shaped flower with 5 upward facing sepals that appear to be petals (apetalous). Contrasting yellow stamens emerge from the flower's center.

Fruit/Seed

Tiny seeds are easily self-seeding.

Wildlife Associates

Pollen attracts native bees and beneficial parasitic wasps. Generally resistant to deer and rabbit.

Propagation

Seeds require cold stratification. Easily propagated by division anytime during the growing season.

Garden Location

Entry Garden (see garden map)

Anecdotal Information

We found that divisions planted in full sun and poor, gravelly soil are not at all aggressive.

Sources

Flora of North America
Missouri Botanical Garden
Native Plant Trust

Plant Profile by Kate O'Dell