Anemone sylvestris

Anemone sylvestris, the wild anemone, should not be confused with the wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa). Unlike its cousin, the sylvestris species dislikes dense shade and appreciates cold and fairly humid climates in summer. A perennial with natural beauty, it naturalises itself on the edge of the undergrowth and in gently sunny areas of the garden, forming dense carpets dotted with slightly fragrant white flowers with yellow stamens in spring. Plant it in semi-shaded areas of the garden, along the edge of a path, or in a cool rockery with spring bulbs, and bleeding hearts.

Anemone sylvestris belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is an herbaceous perennial with a rootstock, originating from a vast area ranging from central and eastern Europe to southern Sweden and the Caucasus. 

The wild anemone uses its short underground trailing rootstock to develop as ground cover. It is not invasive, as its growth will stop as soon as it reaches areas of the garden that are too sunny, too shaded, or too dry in summer. An adult plant will measure about 40cm (16in) in height when flowering, with a minimum width of 30cm (12in). Winter corresponds to a dormant period for this anemone, whose vegetation emerges from the ground in spring and dies back in autumn-winter. The plant forms a clump of palmate leaves, each carried by a long petiole. Their lamina is deeply divided, slightly velvety, plicate, and coloured from light to dark green. Flowering usually takes place in May-June, sometimes throughout summer if the soil remains moist. Tufts of leaves emerge from thick stems 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) tall, each carrying a single white flower with a diameter of 3cm (1in), with 5 petals tinted beige on the outside, offering a golden stamen centre. They are full of charm and elegance. These slightly fragrant flowers are popular with pollinating insects. They give way to attractive fruits adorned with silver tufts.

Wild anemones are perfect for filling the base of not too dense bushes or trees, provided that the soil does not dry out too much in summer. They are also lovely border plants, to be placed along semi-shaded paths or in a rockery with slightly moist soil. Plant them with other semi-shade plants such as violets and perennial cyclamen that bloom a little earlier. You can also opt for bleeding hearts, forget-me-nots, fairy flowers, and early bulbs such as hyacinths, tulips, and narcissus, for example. Anemone sylvestris is also a beautiful flower for bouquets.