The Anemone nemorosa is a perennial plant from the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is also known as the wood anemone. The wood anemone is native to large parts of Western and Central Europe. This perennial plant thrives on moist, moderately nutrient-rich, humus-rich forest soil, especially in deciduous forests. The wood anemone, in its natural growing habitats, is an indicator of ancient woodland (even if the forest has since been felled).
The name “Anemone” is derived from the Greek word “anemos”, meaning “wind.” The word “nemorosa” comes from Latin and means “of the woods.”
The Anemone nemorosa spreads very gradually through the use of shallow rhizomes. Because the rhizomes are so shallow, the plant is not particularly resistant to drought. After flowering in spring, the wood anemone dies back above ground. This makes the wood anemone especially suitable for planting under deciduous shrubs or trees, or among plants that emerge later in the spring.
The sap of the plant is toxic and can be irritating to the skin.
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: newly emerging every year
Deer resistant: yes
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower colour: white
Flowering time: March – May
Foliage colour: green
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -25 ºC/-13 ºF
Height: 15 cm/6 inches
Soil: normal/moist