Meadow Anemone

Meadow Anemone

Common name: Meadow anemone, Canada anemone

Scientific name: Anemonastrum canadense

Family: Buttercup, Ranunculaceae

Bloom period: May to June

What to look for: White blooms, approximately 1” wide, with (usually) five “petals.” The “petals” are really sepals (modified leaves outside the flower parts); there are no real petals. The sepals are obovate (with the base slightly tapered). The actual flower parts are the in the center of the sepals.

Where to see it: In the Building 1 and 2 butterfly gardens.

Benefit to pollinators: Produce copious amounts of pollen which attracts bees, flies, and beetles. Supports Conservation Biological Control, that is, it attracts predatory or parasitoid insects that prey upon pest insects.

More info: Meadow anemone was used as a medicine by North American Indigenous peoples as an astringent, as a styptic for wounds, sores, nosebleeds, and as an eyewash. The root was respected by Plains tribes and used for many ailments.