Eriocapitella hupehensis aka Eriocapitella Hupehensis

Eriocapitella hupehensis belongs to the buttercup family. It is a herbaceous perennial: it lacks woody top growth and lives for years. Its native range spans Nepal to Taiwan and includes China. Gardeners also call it Anemone hupehensis. Common names are Chinese anemone and Japanese thimbleweed. People grew it in Japan for a long time. This led to doubt about where it came from. Plants escaped gardens there and took hold in the wild.

Leafy clumps grow from fibrous roots and woody bases. Garden sources give heights of 1.5–3.3 feet [0.46–1 metre]. North American sources give 1.5–2.5 feet [0.46–0.76 metres], a narrower range. These sources give a spread of 1–3.3 feet [0.3–1 metre]. Leaves at the base form a low mound. It stands about 1 foot [0.3 metres] tall. Dark green leaves have three parts and long stalks. Coarse teeth line their edges; soft hairs coat their undersides. The leaves die back for winter. Thin flower stems branch and rise above the mound.

Flowers open from late summer into autumn. They may last until frost. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a bloom season of August through September. Each cup-shaped flower spans about 0.16–0.25 feet [0.05–0.08 metres]. Five to seven rounded tepals ring a small green centre. Yellow stamens form a ring round the centre too. Flowers come in white, pink, rose-mauve and purple. Dry fruits called achenes form later. Tall stems and late blooms suit borders and group plantings. Sources suggest cottage gardens, woodland gardens and use as cut flowers. Deer resistance adds to its worth in the garden.

Give it rich soil that stays moist but drains well. It takes sun or part shade but prefers part shade. Deep shade can make flower stems flop. Hot, dry sun can scorch leaves. Avoid soil that dries out or stays waterlogged in winter. Shelter from wind helps shield the tall stems. Sources rate it for USDA zones 4–8 and UK H7. Plants may take time to settle in. They then spread through roots that send up shoots. To grow more plants, divide clumps or take root cuttings.

It needs little care, and serious pest issues are rare. Slugs, caterpillars and beetles may cause harm. So may nematodes that feed on leaves. Diseases may include leaf spot, rust, mildews and anemone smuts. Remove old flower stems once blooms end. Leaves and stems contain protoanemonin, which can irritate skin. Eating the plant may cause mild stomach upset. Wear gloves when you handle it.