Exquisite white flowers appear on long stems above mounds of deeply lobed foliage in late spring to early summer on this less-aggressive species. It's also known as tall thimbleweed because each flower's center disk elongates to form tall, thimble-like fruits that turn fluffy and persist through winter to provide year-round interest. The herbaceous perennial grows 2 to 3 feet tall in average to dry soils and part to full sun. It tolerates drought and full shade, and its leaves contain an agent that causes blistering in deer and other mammals. The sap may cause skin irritation so wear gloves when handling the plant. Virginia anemone produces chemicals that inhibit seed germination and seedling growth in some species of plants.
Use as a groundcover in shade gardens or woodlands. Suitable for wildflower or cottage gardens and woodland edges.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-3' tall and 1-2' wide.
Prefers full or part sun but tolerates full shade.
Site in dry to average, well-drained soils, including loamy and sandy. Tolerates drought.
One-inch flower appears singly on a tall, erect stem in May and June. Five white sepals surround a slightly elongated, thimble-like center of greenish stamens. The center grows about an inch high and eventually becomes a cottony mass of seeds.
Light green leaves occur in 1 -2 whorls along the stem, usually in groups of 2 or 3. They are up to 5" long and across and are divided into 2 or 3 deep lobes, which are further divided into 2 or 3 shallower lobes. Margins are coarsely serrated.
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for larvae of veiled ear moth and one-lined sparganothis. Native bees and hoverflies visit.