Anemone virginiana (Tall Anemone)

Anemone virginiana, also called tall anemone or tall thimbleweed, is a tall, clump-forming perennial wildflower related to buttercups and the more common ornamental anemones. Noted for its showy whitish flowers in the late spring and early summer, Anemone virginiana draws its common name of thimbleweed from the unique, thimble-like fruits/seed pods which produce a cottony fuzz later in the season adding fall and winter interest. Growing to 1-4' tall in 1-2' wide clumps, tall anemone is commonly found in open woodlands and forest margin habitats throughout large swathes of Canada and much of the United States east of the Rockies. Though tall anemone's simple flowers are attractive in wildflower meadows and gardens, blooms are also attractive to a wide variety of small native bees and hoverflies, and dried seedheads are an excellent food source for migrating birds through the fall and winter.

Anemone virginiana is adaptable to a number of light conditions, but prefers partial to full shade areas, and can grow in most average soils though it prefers fertile sandy loams that are kept medium moist to dry and well drained. Perfect for a pop of showy, taller color in shaded gardens, tall anemone is an excellent addition to forest gardens and for filling in areas in forest clearings or near bird feeders, where they'll yield several seasons of interest and a delicious meal to any visiting avians.

Excellent spring flower for the shaded or woodland garden. A good choice for naturalized areas or native wildflower gardens.