Wood Anemone

Anemone quinquefolia

Family Ranunculaceae

Brief Description: A groundcover with a solitary basal leaf. 3-5 leaflets, toothed at the tip. White flowers with five sepals, 0.5-1 inch. The plant has a hint of red on the leaves and sometimes the underside of the flower.

Blooms from April to June.

Geographic Range: From Quebec to Manitoba, south to Maryland, Ohio, northern Indiana, and northeast Iowa; in the mountains to northern Georgia.

Habitat: Moist woods

Garden Use: The contrast of the flowers against the leaves makes this a beautiful wildflower for early spring in a shaded garden.

Historic Uses: This is an extremely pungent flower; even a small amount severely upsets the stomach.