Anemone flaccida

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Anemone flaccida is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Moist shaded places along streams and ravines in foothills in loose peaty soils.

E. Asia - N. and W. China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves and stems - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil but prefers a woodland soil. Prefers a moist peaty soil in some shade. Plants succeed in maritime gardens. Hardy to at least -20°c. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. A good woodland plant.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer. 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. 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; not Deep Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. amagisanensis. A. baicalensis laevigata. A. laevigata. A. soyensis. A. tagawe.