Wood anemone

Anemone nemorosa

Carpet-forming native woodland perennial with starry white flowers (sometimes flushed pink) above deeply cut leaves in mid-spring. An indicator species of ancient British woodland.

Hardiness ratings

Wood anemone hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −34.4 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −29 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–3 −15 °C to 0 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Flowers March–April just as deciduous trees come into leaf — closes its petals at night and in cool weather
  • Used by ecologists as an ancient woodland indicator — its presence often signals continuous tree cover for centuries
  • Spreads slowly by rhizomes — patient ground cover under deciduous trees
  • Goes fully dormant by midsummer once the canopy closes

Pet caution: Wood anemone is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Wood anemone against your zones

Reference

Wood anemone on Wikipedia