Anemone vitifolia

Physical Characteristics

Anemone vitifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. 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) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas in Nepal.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antirheumatic Dysentery Odontalgic Vermifuge The fresh root is antirheumatic and vermifuge[218]. The juice from the roots is taken internally in the treatment of dysentery[272]. It is also applied to aching teeth to relieve the pain and to the forehead to relieve headaches[218, 272]. A paste made from the roots is used externally to treat scabies[272]. The leaves are powdered and rubbed into the scalp to treat head lice[272].

Known Hazards

All parts of this plant 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]. The plant is toxic to maggots[147].