Anemone virginiana is a native perennial wildflower known for its upright habit, deeply cut foliage, and subtle greenish white flowers that bloom in early to mid summer. After blooming, it produces distinctive woolly seed heads that add interest into fall.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to midsummer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full sun in cooler climates
Soil Preference: Average to dry, well drained soils; tolerates sandy or rocky conditions
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to eastern and central North America, where it grows in open woods, savannas, and rocky slopes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Visited by small native bees such as sweat bees and mining bees for pollen during its summer bloom period.
Birds
- The woolly seed heads may be used by small songbirds such as chickadees and finches for nesting material or foraging late in the season.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow upright plants to form airy groupings or intermingle with other shade tolerant natives.
Landscape Placement
- Well suited for woodland edges, native perennial beds, open savannas, and shade gardens with dry soil. Excellent for naturalized landscapes and pollinator plantings where subtle texture and structure are desired.
Companion Plants
- Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium) - Offers soft pink spring flowers and mounding foliage that complements Anemone’s upright form.
- Monarda bradburiana (Eastern Beebalm) - Adds early summer color and supports pollinators alongside Anemone virginiana.
- Eurybia divaricata (White Wood Aster) - Provides fall blooming contrast and thrives in the same shaded woodland conditions.
- Solidago caesia (Blue Stemmed Goldenrod) - Offers bright yellow flowers and arching stems that fill mid to late season gaps.
- Carex blanda (Common Wood Sedge) - Forms a fine textured ground layer beneath Anemone and stabilizes shaded soils.