Each time I find a new native plant growing on the property, it feels like I’ve been given a gift. Just uphill from the area just cleared of French Broom, on an east facing slope, there is a small delicate colony of Anemone oregana just beginning to flower.
Anemone oregana
Anemone oregana, also known as Western Wood Anemone or Western Wind-flower, is native to western North America, from Washington state south to Monterey county, California. This flower is typically found in redwood or mixed evergreen forests and riparian woodlands.
Flower buds of Anemone oregana
Anemone oregana
Anemone oregana
Anemone oregana
The Western Wood Anemone is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Plants grow between 10-25 cm tall from underground rhizomes in shaded woodland, and on open hillsides. The flowers usually appear in March through May, and can be variable in color, ranging from blue or purple, to pink or white. Here we seem to have predominantly a white or pale lavender form of the flowers.
Some flowers of Anemone oregana appear more lavender blue
Anemone oregana
Anemone oregana
Anemone oregana does not have petals per se, but 5 petal-like sepals borne on a single stem with three leaf-like bracts. The flowers of this species typically contain 30-60 stamens.
Leaves of Anemone oregana
As the flowers fade, the developing seeds are revealed
Common companion plants growing along side our anemones include Western Sword Ferns and Trillium ovatum.
Anemone oregana can be propagated from seeds and cuttings, and requires damp, well-drained soil to grow. Much like our Trilliums though, Anemone oregana seems very particular about where it chooses to grow here, so for now, I’ll leave the propagation of this lovely deminutive wildflower, to nature.
Dear CV, I do so love anemones and this charming woodlander is no exception. It is absolutely wonderful and so pretty in a natural setting. How very lucky you are to have this growing wild on your property. Nature really is the best gardener of all!
How pretty, Mother Nature must like you to give you such a lovely gift.
See? Looks like your battle of the broom has paid off! My knowledge of riparian natives is sparse, so I’m ever so thankful you’ve introduced me to such a little beauty!
That is such a delicate little beauty. I delight in finding such treasures as well.
Such a pretty and fragile looking beauty. A lovely little reward for battling all that broom!
They look very delicate. Both colours are very attractive and I do like the green centre.
Native plants are always such a delight to see. Their fragile appearance is deceptive because in reality they are ironclad hardy. This one looks particularly beautiful and delicate.
I share your joy at finding a native in an area once covered with invasive plants. This one is a gem.
What a lovely little flower. I know what you mean about finding a native, especially when it pops up out of nowhere!
Ooooh! I just love anemones (we have very different ones here on the east coast!) I’m particularly attracted to the fragile looking ones, like yours. Thanks for sharing!
That is so pretty! Oh, how I wish I’d discover a native plant growing in my garden. But alas, you pay your price for living in the suburbs and riding your bike everywhere.
Great photos!
Beautiful pictures, the shape of anemone flowers is so pleasing, and they can really brighten a shady spot.
What a pretty little flower, I haven’t heard of it before. I’ll have to look for those since it sounds like they are a native here.