Candle Anemone

Anemone cylindrica

Physical Characteristics

Anemone cylindrica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. 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.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to New Mexico, east to South Dakota and New Jersey..

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Miscellany Ophthalmic Poultice The root of this plant was one of the most highly esteemed medicines of the Omaha and Ponca Indians[213]. A wash of the pounded boiled root was applied externally to wounds[213]. The root contains anemonin, which is said to be a potent antiseptic[213]. A poultice made from the leaves is used to treat burns[207, 257]. A tea of the roots was used in the treatment of headaches and dizziness[213, 257]. A decoction of the stem and fruit is used as a wash for sore eyes[257].

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].