Anemone canadensis is a vigorous native ground cover with cheerful white flowers held above deeply cut foliage. Blooming in late spring, it spreads by underground rhizomes to form dense colonies that suppress weeds and hold soil. Its foliage remains attractive through summer and the plant is known for its ability to naturalize quickly in open woodland or meadow settings.
Height & Spread: 12 - 24 in x 18 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, rich soils; tolerates periodic flooding
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to much of North America, particularly the northeastern and north central regions, where it occurs in meadows, prairies, and woodland openings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts native sweat bees, mining bees, and small bumblebees seeking pollen from its open accessible blooms.
Butterflies
- Visited by Spring Azures and other small butterflies for early nectar.
Moths
- Supports early emerging moth species that rely on open native flowers for nectar especially in meadow settings.
Birds
- Foliage provides light cover for ground foraging birds such as sparrows and towhees; seedheads may attract finches in late summer.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow room for spreading while maintaining defined planting areas.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for massing in moist meadows, along streambanks, or at the edge of woodland gardens. Can be used as a native substitute for invasive ground covers.
Companion Plants
- Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge) - A fine textured clump forming sedge that complements Anemone’s spreading foliage and tolerates similar woodland edge conditions.
- Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox) - Offers early spring color and benefits pollinators in overlapping bloom periods.
- Rudbeckia laciniata (Cutleaf Coneflower) - Adds vertical height and bold yellow blooms later in the season for layered native plantings.
- Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) - Attracts pollinators and introduces fragrance and lavender toned flowers as Anemone begins to fade.
- Solidago caesia (Blue Stemmed Goldenrod) - Provides fall color and pollinator value while growing well in partial shade with Anemone.