Anemonastrum canadense aka Canada Anemone

Anemonastrum canadense belongs to the buttercup family. It is a perennial, so it lives for more than one year. Sources also call it Anemone canadensis. Its common names are meadow anemone and windflower. It grows wild in subarctic North America and much of Canada. Its range also spans the western-central and eastern United States. It grows in damp meadows, thickets, and wet prairies. It also grows near lakes and streams, and in clearings.

Plants reach about 1–2 feet (0.3–0.6 m) tall. RHS gives a lower top height: 1.6 feet (0.5 m). Its listed spread reaches 1.6 feet (0.5 m) too. Rhizomes, or stems below ground, help form groups in moist soil. The stems stand upright and branch above green, deeply cut leaves. Each leaf has three to five lobes with toothed edges. Fine hairs coat the lower sides of leaves on long stalks. Leaves grow in pairs on stems that bear blooms. These leaves seem to clasp the stem. The leaves die back; they do not stay green all year.

Groups of white blooms face up above the leaves. Each flower has five parts that look like petals. Its centre is yellow. Blooms can reach about 2 inches (5 cm) across. Missouri Botanical Garden gives April through June as bloom time. Chicago Botanic Garden gives May through June. RHS gives late spring into midsummer. The showy blooms suit use as cut flowers. Chicago Botanic Garden notes that birds and butterflies visit. It lists uses in borders and as groundcover. It also lists use beneath trees and shrubs.

Grow it in moist soil rich in humus that drains well. Part shade suits it; sources allow full sun too. RHS lists clay and loam soils. These may be acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Plants cope with drier soil while at rest in summer. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 3–8. Chicago gives 3–7. RHS gives a UK hardiness rating of H6. Moist wildflower gardens suit it, as do pond and stream edges. It also suits woods and prairie-style gardens. Groups can cause trouble where the site helps them spread.

Care needs are low. Plants need no routine pruning, but taller stems may need support. Slugs and caterpillars can harm plants. So can flea beetles and leaf eelworms. Leaf spots, rust, and mildews may occur. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems. Plants For A Future lists no known food uses. It notes past use of roots and leaves as remedies. These uses do not show proven health benefits.