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tall thimbleweed

Scientific Name: Anemone virginiana var. virginiana

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)

Tall Thimbleweed, also known as Tall Anemone or simply Thimbleweed, is a graceful wildflower native to much of eastern North America. It's appreciated for its delicate white flowers and interesting thimble-shaped seed heads.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a member of the buttercup family, known hazards may be present.

Considerations for Children

  • As a member of the buttercup family, known hazards may be present.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Anemone virginiana L.
  • Common Names: Tall Thimbleweed, Tall Anemone, Thimbleweed, Virginia Anemone
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family/Crowfoot Family)
  • Genus: Anemone
  • Species: virginiana
  • Synonyms: The text mentions that Anemone virginiana, A. cylindrica, and A. riparia are very similar.
  • Another name Anemone virginica can also be found.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to much of eastern North America, including the Ozark region.
  • Found along forest edges and in sparse woodlands.
  • It thrives in partial shade but can also grow in deep shade.
  • Also grows in rocky or dry open woods or wooded slopes.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Herbaceous perennial plant.
  • Plants grow 30–80 centimetres (12–31 inches) tall, sometimes taller in the wild.
  • Forms upright leafless, airy stems with greenish white flowers.
  • Has 5 or 6-part flowers appearing singly atop tall aerial stems, 1 to 3 feet high.
  • Leaves are divided into 3 lobes.
  • Basal leaves have long stalks.
  • The hairy plant has 3-lobed leaves that occur in whorls along the tall stem.

Ecological Role

  • A good choice for cottage and rock gardens because it doesn't spread as aggressively as exotic anemones.

Quirky Facts

  • Thimbleweed is named for the thimble-shaped dome of fruits that are densely packed at the center of the flower. The fruiting cluster is about twice as long as wide.
  • Anemone cylindrica (Long-headed Thimbleweed) has narrower leaf segments and fruit in a long, cylindrical cone.

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Anemone virginiana.
  • Dave's Garden: A community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • Bioimages at Vanderbilt University: Offers images of Tall Thimbleweed.