Anemone altaica

Anemone altaica is a small perennial in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Its native range runs from northeast Europe to Japan. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. In China, records place it in forests, scrub, and beside streams. These sites lie at heights of about 3,940–5,910 feet [1,200–1,800 metres].

This plant creeps along the ground and forms a low mat. Thin yellow rhizomes let it spread below the soil. The RHS describes plants about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. Its broader garden size range reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] in height and spread. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Dark green leaves grow both at the base and along stems. Their outline ranges from round to oval. The leaves die back, and the plant rests in summer.

Single white flowers appear in spring, each on its own. They reach about 1.6 inches [0.04 metres] across. Violet veins mark the inner face of each bloom. The low growth suits planting beneath shrubs and roses. It also fits woodland gardens and beds with dappled shade. The RHS lists rock gardens, borders, and courtyard gardens as suitable settings. Its small scale also suits cottage and informal gardens.

Grow it in part shade with humus-rich soil that drains well. Keep the soil moist while the plant grows. It tolerates drier soil during its summer rest. Loam and sandy soils suit it. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. East-, north-, and west-facing sites are suitable. The RHS rates it H7, its coldest hardiness class. This covers European continental climates with temperatures below −20°C. No pruning is needed. Sow ripe seed in containers kept in a cold frame. Divide rhizomes after the leaves die back, in late spring or early summer.

Slugs and caterpillars may damage the plant. Leaf eelworms and powdery mildew may also cause problems. Plants For A Future lists no known food use. It gives the species a low medicinal-use rating. That source records traditional rhizome use for digestive and nervous-system complaints. These records do not establish safe or effective home treatment. Its hazard note draws on related plants, not confirmed evidence for this species.