Narcissus flowered anemone is a herbaceous perennial native to northwestern North America and Eurasia where it grows in high mountain grasslands, thickets, grassy meadows, pastures, open woods and along roadsides. It is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes delphinium, clematis, and hellebore. Plants grow from a woody base and form compact clumps 12-18″ tall. They have 3-10 basal palmate leaves that are divided into 3-5 segments, each segment further lobed or toothed. The leaves are carried on petioles up to 6″ long and are roundish in outline. From late spring to early summer the flowers appear singly or in umbels of 2 to 8 flowers, subtended by an involcral ruff. Each flower is 1-1.5″ wide and has a center of 40-100 yellow stamens surrounded by 5-7 showy white or pale yellow sepals, sometimes tinged with blue or purple. The fruit is an achene that is winged and has a curved or recurved beak. Plants do best in cool climates and often go dormant when the weather is hot. Good choice for rock or wildflower garden. The species is quite variable and 3 varieties are recognized. The genus name, Anemone, is probably from the Greek word ἄνεμος (anemos), meaning wind. and possibly refers to the fact that the delicate flowers are easily moved by the wind. The specific epithet, narcissiflora, comes from Latin words Narcissus and flora. Narcissus is the genus name of daffodils, and comes from the name of the a beautiful mythological youth who fell in love with his own reflection. Flora is the Latin word meaning flowered or having flowers.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Single or clusters of white flowers sometimes tinted with blue or purple and with yellow centers from late spring to early summer
Size: 12-18″ H x 8-12″ W
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Average, moderately moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 4-7
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, division in late summer, root cuttings
Companion Plants: Shooting star, common harebell, blue fescue
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
