Family: Ranunculaceae
Author: A.Gray
Bibliography: Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 3: 221 (1828-836)
Year: Unknown
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Anemone
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Canada to N. & WC. U.S.A.
Description
Candle anemone, scientifically known as Anemone cylindrica, is a captivating perennial flowering plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. First documented in the early 19th century by renowned botanist A. Gray, this species holds a noteworthy place in North American flora.
The Candle anemone thrives across a vast geographical range that spans from Canada to the northern and western regions of the United States. This hardy plant is well-adapted to various climates and can often be found gracing meadows and open woodlands, adding a delicate beauty to its natural habitats.
One of the distinctive features of the Candle anemone is its cylindrical seed heads, which give the plant its common name. The plant exhibits upright, slender stems that can reach heights of up to 30-90 centimeters, crowned by elegant, white to greenish blooms. These blossoms are usually visible from late spring to mid-summer, providing a serene spectacle for nature enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
The foliage of this species is equally appealing, with deeply lobed, fern-like leaves that form a lush, green basal rosette. The leaves have a slightly furry texture, which adds to the plant’s overall charm. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Candle anemone also plays an essential ecological role, supporting various pollinators including bees and butterflies.
Cultivating Anemone cylindrica can be rewarding for gardeners looking to introduce a touch of wild beauty to their gardens. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in both full sun and partial shade. The plant is relatively low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
The significance of Candle anemone extends beyond its ornamental use. It serves as a reminder of the rich botanical heritage documented over centuries, reflecting the dedication of botanists like A. Gray who contributed immensely to our understanding of plant biodiversity through works such as those cataloged in the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York.
In summary, Candle anemone (Anemone cylindrica) is a remarkable species with a wide distribution across North America, cherished for its unique floral structure, simple cultivation requirements, and its role in supporting local ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: candle anemone, longhead anemone, thimbleweed, cylindrical thimbleweed, long-headed anemone, cottonweed, long-fruit anemone, long-fruited anemone, long-headed thimbleweed
Fra: anémone cylindrique
Swe: präriesippa
En: Candle anemone, Longhead anemone, Thimbleweed, Cylindrical Thimbleweed, Long-headed anemone, Cottonweed, Long-fruit anemone, Long-fruited anemone, Long-headed thimbleweed
Fr: Anémone cylindrique
Sv: Präriesippa
Synonyms
- Anemone cylindrica f. albida (Farw.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 14, 2021 by Abby Longworth (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033245)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:708323-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anemone cylindrica A.Gray)