Anemone quinquefolia
Wood Anemone Description:
Anemone quinquefolia, commonly known as wood anemone or five-leaved anemone, is a small and delicate herbaceous perennial wildflower that typically grows to an approximate height of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). It has a clumping growth habit and spreads slowly by rhizomes, forming dense colonies over time.
The leaves of Anemone quinquefolia are deeply divided into five leaflets, hence the species name "quinquefolia". The leaves emerge in early spring, along with the delicate white flowers, and typically die back in mid-summer.
The flowers of Anemone quinquefolia are solitary and borne on long, slender stems. They have 5-10 petal-like sepals that are white, sometimes tinged with pink or purple, and surround a central cluster of yellow stamens. The flowers have a delicate, papery texture and are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Anemone quinquefolia is native to the eastern and central regions of North America, where it can be found in moist, wooded areas and along stream banks. It prefers well-drained soils and partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and naturalized areas. Anemone quinquefolia is a spring ephemeral, meaning that it blooms and sets seed in the spring before going dormant in the summer. It is an important early-season nectar source for bees and butterflies.
Native Range:
In Minnesota, Wood anemone can be found in most of the state, with the exception of the south western portion of the state. More broadly, Wood anemone can be found from as far west as North Dakota to as far East as Maine. It's southern range stretches south from Minnesota to Arkansas and over to Georgia.
Standard Plant Information:
Plant Height: 4" - 3"
Bloom Time: April - June
Preferred Habitat: Does well in part shade, and particularly likes moist wooded areas and well drained soils.
Sowing:
For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre. For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.
You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.
Planting:
Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.
maps used with permission from MN Wildflowers
Anemone quinquefolia Gallery
Anemone quinquefolia Gallery
