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Anemone canadensis - L.

Common Name

Canadian Anemone

Family

Ranunculaceae

Synonyms

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, many members of this genus contain protoanemonin, an irritating acrid oil that is an enzymatic breakdown product of the glycoside ranunculin. While protoanemonin can cause severe topical and gastrointestinal irritation, it is unstable and changes into harmless anemonin when plants are dried or heated[4, 10, 19, 65, 270].

Habitats

Damp thickets, meadows, wet prairies, lake shores, streamsides, clearings and occasionally swampy areas at elevations from 200 - 2800 metres[270].

Range

Eastern and Central N. America from Labrador to Massachusetts, Illinois and Colorado.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
It is hardy to zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, self.The plant is self-fertile.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland).It requires moist soil.The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.


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Habitats
Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Meadow;

Edible Uses
None known

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Anthelmintic; Antiaphonic; Antiseptic; Astringent; Ophthalmic; Styptic.

The roots and leaves are astringent and styptic[222]. The root and leaves of this plant was one of the most highly esteemed medicines of the Omaha and Ponca Indians[207]. A decoction of the root was used as an anthelmintic and to treat pain in the lumbar region[257]. An infusion of the root was used as an eye wash to treat crossed eyes, twitches and eye poisoning[257]. A wash of the pounded boiled root or of the leaves was applied externally to wounds, nosebleeds, sores etc[213, 222, 257]. The root contains anemonin, which is said to be a potent antiseptic[213]. A tea of the roots was used in the treatment of headaches and dizziness[213]. The root was eaten to clear the throat so that a person could sing well[257].

Other Uses
None known

Cultivation details

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil but prefers a well-drained woodland soil and some shade[200]. An easily grown plant, preferring a sunny position[233]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[233]. Hardy to at least -20°c[187]. This species is closely related to A. virginiana[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. A good woodland plant[1, 187].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[1]. Surface sow or only just cover the seed and keep the soil moist. Sow stored seed as soon as possible in late winter or early spring. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15°c[133]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first year. When the plants are large enough, plant them out in the spring. Division in late summer after the plant dies down.

Expert comment

Author
L.

Botanical References
200270

Links / References

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[54]Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds.

Interesting reading.

[133]Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1.

Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation.

[187]Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2.

Photographs of over 3,000 species and cultivars of ornamental plants together with brief cultivation notes, details of habitat etc.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[207]Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers.

A nice read, lots of information on plant uses.

[213]Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food.

A nice book to read though it is difficult to look up individual plants since the book is divided into separate sections dealing with the different medicinal uses plus a section on edible plants. Common names are used instead of botanical.

[222]Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America.

A concise book dealing with almost 500 species. A line drawing of each plant is included plus colour photographs of about 100 species. Very good as a field guide, it only gives brief details about the plants medicinal properties.

[233]Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants

A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.

[257]Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany

Very comprehensive but terse guide to the native uses of plants. Excellent bibliography, fully referenced to each plant, giving a pathway to further information. Not for the casual reader.

[270] Flora of N. America

An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses.

Readers comment

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Subject : Anemone canadensis

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