Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana, Sp. Pl.: 540 (1753))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 540 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anemone

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to N. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Thimbleweed, known scientifically as Anemone virginiana, is a noteworthy member of the Ranunculaceae family. Documented in Linnaeus’s “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Thimbleweed has been observed thriving from the woodlands of Canada to the northeastern regions of the United States.

One of the defining features of Thimbleweed is its visually arresting appearance. This perennial herb often stands out in its natural habitat due to slender stems that carry large, lobed leaves and delicate, silky flowers. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to midsummer, are typically white or greenish-white, arranged singularly atop the slender, erect stems. Each bloom consists of five to seven lance-shaped sepals clinging to a central, densely packed cluster of carpels resembling a thimble, from which the plant derives its common name.

The natural range of Anemone virginiana covers a broad swath of North America, spanning from the cool climates of Canada down through the temperate zones of the northeastern United States. These areas provide the woodland habitats and open fields that this plant favors. Thimbleweed is adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it thrives best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. It’s often found in both shaded and partially sunny locations, demonstrating its versatile nature.

Ecologically, Thimbleweed plays a significant role. Its flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are integral to the health of the ecosystem. Moreover, the plant’s seedheads, which persist into late summer and autumn, contribute to the local flora’s seed dispersal and propagation.

The aesthetic value of Thimbleweed also makes it a popular choice for native plant gardens and natural landscaping projects. Its elegant flowers and robust growth habit add both visual interest and ecological benefits, making it an excellent addition to garden spaces geared toward environmental stewardship.

Overall, Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana) is not just a charming element of the landscape but also a vital component of its native habitats, supporting biodiversity and ecological resilience. Its enduring presence from Canada to the Northeastern United States marks it as a significant botanical species worth celebrating and preserving.

Common Names

Eng: tall anemone, tall thimbleweed, thimbleweed, virginia anemone
Fra: anénome de virginie, anémone de virginie
Swe: virginiasippa
En: Thimbleweed, Tall anemone, Tall thimbleweed, VIRGINIA ANEMONE
Ar: شقار فرجيني
Fi: Virginianvuokko
Fr: Anénome de Virginie, Anémone de Virginie
De: Virginia-Anemone, Virginisches Windröschen
Sv: Virginiasippa

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 19, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2021 by de Mette Ginn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2015 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 28, 2019 by Jim Jim (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by David Hinds (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by Richard Wideman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Nobleza Del Campo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Jane S (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by kathy gilbert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2020 by Daniel McLean (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 10, 2008 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by EOL − Brianne Nelson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Stephanie Mckechnie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Michel G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Suzan Allard (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 31, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 9, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 28, 2015 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 19, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033255)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:708711-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anemone virginiana L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth