Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone)

Vigorous, Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone) is a dwarf herbaceous perennial producing masses of star-shaped, single, white poppy-like flowers, 1-1.5 in. wide (2-4 cm), sometimes flushed pink or purple on their reverse, and with a ring of prominent golden stamens. Borne on short upright stems, the blossoms rise above a deeply, finely cut, dark green foliage. Blooming in early to late spring, this Anemone spreads by branched and creeping rhizomes to form an impressive carpet in shaded areas where its luminous, bright faces are highly appealing.

• Rising up to 6-10 in. tall (15-25 cm), this Anemone naturalizes well and will gradually spread into colorful colonies. It will go dormant as temperatures rise in summer.
• On a gray day, the flowers remain closed and hang their heads, but when the sun shines, the blossoms are held aloft, fully open, and follow the sun’s course across the sky.
• Easily grown in humus-rich, fertile, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in part shade. Keep the soil moist during the growing season. Once established, this plant has some drought tolerance while dormant.
• Undemanding and virtually pest-free and disease-free, this Anemone is a welcomed addition to borders, under trees and large shrubs, rock gardens, or in woodlands. For the best visual impact, plant en masse.
• To be planted in fall.
• Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame when ripe, or separate the rhizomes in spring when the foliage has died back.
• Anemone nemorosa species is native to Europe.

Toxicity: Anemone nemorosa is a charming woodland plant with toxic properties. All parts contain protoanemonin, a chemical that can cause severe irritation if ingested or handled. Symptoms include a bitter taste, burning in the mouth and throat, mouth ulcers, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hematemesis. Contact with the plant may also result in skin irritation. While toxic, it has historical use in traditional medicine, highlighting its dual nature as both hazardous and potentially therapeutic. Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you