Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)




Tall thimblewee (Anemone virginiana), also known as tall anemone, is a native wildflower gracing much of central and eastern North America, from the forests of Canada to the woodlands and rocky slopes of the United States. In Wisconsin, it's widely recognized as a native species, commonly flourishing along woodland edges, savannas, and sun-dappled slopes. This long-lived perennial typically stands between 12 and 48 inches tall, with a spread of 12 to 24 inches, depending on site conditions.

The plant’s flowers, ranging from greenish-white to white, measure three-quarters to one inch in diameter and bloom from late spring into summer. Each bloom features five petal-like sepals that surround a yellow, stamen-rich center. As the flowering season fades, the center elongates into a unique, thimble-shaped seed head—an identifying feature—which becomes fluffy and cotton-like by autumn, aiding in wind dispersal of its seeds.

Upright, slightly hairy stems support deeply lobed, serrated leaves arranged in whorls along the stem and at the base, each leaf attached via a long, hairy stalk called a petiole. The structure gives the plant a graceful, layered form that blends well in both garden and wild settings.

From an ecological standpoint, tall anemone offers subtle yet important contributions to local ecosystems. Its flowers attract a variety of native pollinators, including solitary bees and flies, providing a nectar source in early to midsummer when some other forest flowers have already faded. Additionally, the plant’s fluffy seed heads may be gathered by birds and small mammals for nesting material. Because of its tolerance for dry, nutrient-poor soils and its adaptability to light conditions—from full sun to deep shade—Anemone virginiana helps stabilize soil and contributes to the biodiversity of transitional habitats like woodland edges and prairie remnants.

Tall thimbleweed thrives in sandy-loamy to humus-rich soil with good drainage and prefers partial shade, though it's highly adaptable and drought-tolerant once established. You’ll often find it in open woodlands, thickets, limestone glades, and naturalized plantings. (July)