Common Name: Canadian Anemone

General Information

Anemone canadensis is a herbaceous, perennial plant that can form dense colonies of growth up to 60cm tall from a spreading rhizome[, ].
The plant was a preferred medicinal harb of several native American tribes and was commonly harvested from the wild for medicinal use.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, many members of this genus 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[, , , , ].

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern and Central N. America - Northwest Territories and British Colombia to Quebec, south to New Mexico, Kansas and West Virginia

Habitat

Often found in large colonies, growing in damp thickets, meadows, wet prairies, lake shores, streamsides, clearings and occasionally swampy areas; at elevations from 200 - 2,800 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Anemone canadensis has a large range , almost entering the Arctic Circle in the north yet also growing as far south as New Mexico. It is hardy to at least -20°c[].
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in ordinary garden soil but prefers a well-drained woodland soil and some shade[, ]. An easily grown plant, preferring a sunny position[]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[].
This species is closely related to A. Virginiana[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].
A good woodland plant[, ]. The plant can spread aggressivey by means of underground rhizomes, and is able to cover large areas[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots and leaves are astringent and styptic[].
The root and leaves of this plant was one of the most highly esteemed medicines of the Omaha and Ponca Indians[]. A decoction of the root was used as an anthelmintic and to treat pain in the lumbar region[].
A wash of the pounded boiled root or of the leaves was applied externally to wounds, nosebleeds, sores etc[, , ]. An infusion of the root was used as an eye wash to treat crossed eyes, twitches and eye poisoning[].
A tea of the roots was used in the treatment of headaches and dizziness[].
The root was eaten to clear the throat so that a person could sing well[].
The root contains anemonin, which is said to be a potent antiseptic[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[]. Surface sow or only just cover the seed and keep the soil moist. Sow stored seed as soon as possible in late winter or early spring. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first year. When the plants are large enough, plant them out in the spring.
Division in late summer after the plant dies down.