Canadian Anemone

Anemone canadensis

Physical Characteristics

Anemone canadensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July. 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 semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

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

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Meadow;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

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

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].