Northern anemone (Anemone parviflora, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 319 (1803))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 319 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anemone

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: N. Russian Far East, Subarctic America to WC. U.S.A.

Description

The Northern anemone, known scientifically as Anemone parviflora, is a captivating plant that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. First described by Michaux in “Flora Boreali-Americana” in 1803, this delicate flower is a testament to the botanical diversity found in subarctic regions.

Native to the cold and often harsh climates of the Northern Russian Far East and Subarctic America, the Northern anemone has also made its presence known as far south as the western-central United States. This geographical spread highlights the plant’s adaptability and resilience in a variety of environmental conditions, from frigid tundra to relatively milder mountainous areas.

The Northern anemone is typically found in alpine meadows, tundras, and other open, rocky terrains where it thrives in well-drained soils. The species is characterized by its small yet charming blossoms, which are modest in size but eye-catching in their grace. The blossoms are typically white, adding a pristine beauty to the rugged landscapes they inhabit.

The structure of Anemone parviflora is both simple and elegant, with slender stems rising from a basal rosette of leaves. These leaves are lobed and provide a leafy contrast to the delicate flowers that appear in the warmer months. The blooming period is relatively short, a brief but splendid flourish that signals the fleeting nature of summer in its native regions.

Ecologically, Northern anemones play a crucial role in their habitats. They provide early-season nectar for a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the reproductive success of many plant species in these remote ecosystems. Due to their presence in often remote and undisturbed areas, they serve as key indicators of environmental health and biodiversity.

Cultivating Northern anemone can be somewhat challenging due to its specific habitat preferences, yet it remains a beloved subject of study and admiration among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Efforts to grow Anemone parviflora in botanical gardens and conservatories have been met with varying degrees of success, typically requiring conditions that closely mimic its native environment.

In summary, the Northern anemone is a small but significant plant species with a storied history and an important ecological role. Its ability to endure and thrive in some of the planet’s most demanding climates makes it a remarkable example of nature’s resilience and beauty.

Common Names

Eng: northern anemone, small-flower anemone, smallflowered anemone, small-flowered anemone
Fra: anémone à petites fleurs, anémone parviflore
En: Northern anemone, Small-flower anemone, Smallflowered anemone, Small-Flower Thimbleweed, Small-flowered anemone
Ar: شقار صغير الأزهار
Bg: Северно анемоне
Fi: Alaskanvuokko
Fr: Anémone à petites fleurs, Anémone parviflore

Synonyms

• Anemone tenella (Banks ex Pritz.)
• Anemone trilobata (Pers.)
• Anemone indeterminata (Banks ex Walp.)
• Anemone cuneata (Schltdl.)
• Anemone cuneifolia (Juss.)
• Anemone borealis (Richardson)
• Anemone parviflora var. genuina (Ulbr.)
• Anemone parviflora var. grandiflora (Ulbr.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Montana (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Emily Baumgartner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 19, 2018 by Serena Schade (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-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/3033243)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:708544-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anemone parviflora Michx.)

Specifications

Growth