About Anemonastrum canadense (L.) Mosyakin
Nomenclature and Vegetative Structure Base
Anemonastrum canadense, commonly called Canada anemone, grows from ascending caudices attached to long, thin rhizomes. Its leafy shoots reach 20–80 cm (8–31 inches) in height.
Basal Leaf Characteristics
Basal leaves have deeply divided, toothed blades and sit on 8–22 cm (3+1⁄4–8+3⁄4 inch) petioles; leaf blades measure 4–10 cm (1+1⁄2–4 inches) by 5–15 cm (2–6 inches).
Flowering Period
Flowers bloom from late spring to summer on stems rising above a cluster of leaves.
Flower Reproductive Parts
Each flower has approximately 5 white, petal-like sepals and 80 to 100 yellow stamens. The obovate sepals, which have a slightly tapered base, measure 10–20 mm (1⁄2–3⁄4 inch) by 5–15 mm (1⁄4–5⁄8 inch).
Seed Development
After pollination, the green pistils at the center of the flower develop into a rounded to slightly elongated seed head. The seeds are achenes with an almost rounded body and a distinct beak.
Native Distribution
This species is native to Canada, and to west central and eastern regions of the United States.
Chemical Traits
Like most anemones, it likely contains caustic irritants similar to other members of the buttercup family Ranunculaceae.
Indigenous Medicinal Uses
North American Indigenous peoples used Anemonastrum canadense medicinally: it was employed as an astringent, as a styptic to treat wounds, sores, and nosebleeds, and also used as an eyewash. Plains tribes valued the root of this plant and used it to treat a wide range of ailments.
