The taxonomy of this highly variable, widespread species is extremely controversial[]. Many of the species included here as synonyms are considered to be distinct in some treatments. A new treatment of the species (in the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families) is currently in review (2016) - this treatment recognizes at least nine subspecies and is being followed here[].

Common Name: Narcissus-Flowered Anemone

General Information

Anemone narcissiflora is a very variable, herbaceous, perennial plant forming a compact clump of growth 7 - 60cm tall. The plant produces 3 - 10 basal leaves up to 20cm tall with a flowering stem that can have a solitary flower or an umbel of up to 8 flowers[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is much grown as an ornamental in gardens.

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

Widespread in the temperate zone through central Europe, western, central and northern Asia to northwestern N. America

Habitat

Grassy, peaty but well-drained alpine meadows, occasionally in partial shade[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Anemone narcissiflora grows and flowers best in areas where the summers are not too hot[]. When dormant it is hardy to about -20°c[].
An easily grown plant that succeeds in ordinary garden soil, though it prefers a rich sandy loam[] and a position in full sun or light shade[, , ]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[, , ]. The leaves , together with other salad greens and oil, were beaten to a creamy consistency and frozen into an 'ice cream'[].Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Root - raw[]. The upper root ends have been used for food[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

The plant has been used as an antihaemorrhagic[].

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. This plant is very slow to increase[].