Anemones
What are they?
The anemones are colourful members of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). In keeping with most members of the family (though strangely not the buttercups themselves!), these plants have sepals and petals that are similar to each other and which are often collectively referred to as 'tepals'.
Where are they found?
Our one native species is found in deciduous woodland and is often considered to be an indicator species of ancient woodland. Other species are cultivated as garden plants and may turn up in churchyards or on marginal land in urban environments.
Identification
Most of the species are relatively easy to identify by their deeply cut leaves and by the colour and number of the tepals. The blue species are rather similar and will require a hand lens to check for the presence or absence of small hairs on the underside of the leaves or tepals. The first three species are all low, spring flowering plants, whole the last is a taller, late summer/autumn flowerer.
European Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa
Native in old woodland on the boulder clay regions, doing particularly well in coppiced plantations. Flowers March to May. Forms creeping patches that can become quite extensive with age. Flowers are white or pale pink and may have deeper pink tones to the back of the tepals.
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Balkan Anemone Anemone blanda
Introduced from southern Europe as a garden ornamental and popularly planted in churchyards, from where it may spread into neighbouring grassland. Flowers March to April. Flowers with 10-16, blue or sometimes white tepals. Leaves and tepals are hairless on their undersides.
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Blue Anemone Anemone apennina
Introduced from southern Europe as a garden ornamental and popularly planted in churchyards, from where it may spread into neighbouring grassland. Flowers March to April. Flowers with 8-20, blue or sometimes white tepals. Leaves and tepals are lightly hairy on their undersides.
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Hybrid Japanese Anemone Eriocapitella x hybrida
(Anemone x hybrida) A hybrid of garden origin. A vigorous herbaceous perennial that often outgrows its welcome and may get included in dumped garden waste which may be found persisting on roadsides or rough ground, or spreading naturally from neighbouring gardens. Flowers August to October. A tall plant, growing to 1-2m in height. Flowers may be white or a range of pink shades.
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