Native Plants
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Anemone quinquefolia
Anemone quinquefolia L.
Wood Anemone, Nightcaps
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ANQU
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A low, delicate plant with a whorl of 3 stalked, deeply cut leaves and a solitary, stalked white flower. Slender stalk has basal leaves and a whorl of 3- to 5-parted leaves at its apex. A single white or pink flower arises above the leaf whorl. Solitary divided leaves also arise from the rootstock. Disappears after blooming.
This is an early spring wildflower which often forms sizable stands on woodland borders. Since Anemones are usually slender-stalked and tremble in the breeze, they have been called "Wind Flowers."
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Green , BrownBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB , NS , ON , QC
Native Distribution: Northern Ont. & e. Man., s. to MD, KY & e. NE; also mts. to GA
Native Habitat: Woodland, Forest Edge
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Damp, rich, mucky soils
Conditions Comments: Forms colonies and makes a ground cover for open woods.
Benefit
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts when fresh. Toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms include inflammation and blistering upon contact with fresh sap and irritation of the mouth, vomiting and diarrhea following ingestion. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: Propagate by root cuttings, rootstock divisions or seed. Seeds ripen quickly and should be sown immediately after ripening. Seedlings will produce flowers in 3-4 years.Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FAC | FAC | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1294 - The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Anemone quinquefolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Anemone quinquefolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Anemone quinquefolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-09-17Research By: TWC Staff