Rue-Anemone

Anemonella thalictroides

Physical Characteristics

Anemonella thalictroides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New Hampshire to Massachusetts, south to Florida and west to Kansas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[46, 61, 222]. Starchy[105, 177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and vomiting[222]. A preparation of the root has historically been used in the treatment of piles[222].

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, it belongs to a family that contains many toxic species. The toxins are not normally fairly mild in effect and they are usually destroyed by thoroughly heating or drying the plant.