SafePlants

Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)

Tall Thimbleweed, also known as Tall Anemone, Thimbleweed, or Virginia Anemone, is an attractive wildflower native to much of eastern North America. It's valued for its graceful appearance and adaptability to various garden settings.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), and the text mentions that "many" species in this family have known hazards, though no specific hazard is noted for this specific plant.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), and the text mentions that "many" species in this family have known hazards, though no specific hazard is noted for this specific plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anemone virginiana L.
• Common Names: Tall Thimbleweed, Tall Anemone, Thimbleweed, Virginia Anemone, Tumble-weed
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family or Crowfoot Family)
• Genus: Anemone
• Species: virginiana
• Synonyms: The text mentions that Anemone cylindrica and Anemone riparia are very similar.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to much of eastern North America.
• Frequently found along forest edges, in sparse woodlands, and in open areas with partial shade.
• Also noted as a native Ozark plant.
• Grows in rocky or dry open woods or wooded slopes.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Herbaceous perennial, growing 30–80 centimeters (12–31 inches) tall, and sometimes taller in the wild.
• Forms upright leafless, airy stems.
• The stem grows 60 to 100 cm tall and is ramified above the small leaves that grow around the flower (involucre).
• Basal leaves have long stalks and are divided into 3 lobes.
• Features lush mats of upright, palm-shaped foliage.
• Flowers are typically 1 inch in size, with 5 pointed greenish-white petals and numerous stamens.
• Flowers appear singly atop tall aerial stems, 1 to 3 feet high.
• Forms an elongated seed head, also called the "thimble", after flowering.

Quirky Facts

• The plant is named for the thimble-shaped dome of fruits that are densely packed at the center of the flower. The fruiting cluster or "thimble" is shorter compared to its cousin *Anemone virginiana*, about twice as long as wide.

Ecological Role

• A good choice for cottage and rock gardens as it does not spread as aggressively as exotic anemones.

Additional Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Anemone virginiana.
• Bioimages at Vanderbilt provides images of the plant.
• Dave's Garden offers a community forum for sharing tips and ideas.