Anemonoides blanda (Grecian Windflower)

Overview

• Scientific Name: Anemonoides blanda (also known as Anemone blanda)
• Common Names: Balkan anemone, Grecian windflower, winter windflower
• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Native Range: Southeastern Europe and the Middle East

Botanical Features

• Type: Herbaceous, tuberous perennial
• Height: Grows up to 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)
• Flowers:
  • Daisy-like, appear in early spring
  • Colors: Intense purple blue, pink, white
  • Features: Radially symmetrical, about seven or more sepals and petals

Leaves

• Green, finely divided, whorled and alternate pattern
• Deeply cut with toothed edges
• Non-hairy structure

Stem and Roots

• Stem: Non-aromatic, wiry
• Roots: Little root growth, tuberous-rooted
• Tubers: Black, non-uniformly shaped, wrinkled

Reproductive Characteristics

• Flower Structure:
  • Cup-shaped with several stamens
  • Attractive with smooth, satiny petals
• Fruits:
  • Small, dry, do not split open after ripening
  • Size: 1.3 to 3 mm

Habitat and Cultivation

• Preferred Planting Condition:
  • Planted in autumn
  • Partially shady areas, moist soil
  • Can grow in full sun if soil remains moist
• Soil: Well-drained, dries out in summer
• Naturalization: Rapid colonization in favored locations

Distribution

• Native Range: Southeastern Europe to western Syria
• Introduced Locations: Germany, Canada, United States

Uses and Toxicity

• Historical Uses: Used for gout and headaches in the Middle Ages (not used today due to toxicity)
• Dyeing: Sky-blue petals used for light green dye
• Toxicity:
  • Poisonous if ingested in large quantities
  • Causes contact dermatitis and other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea

Awards and Recognitions

• Anemonoides blanda and its cultivar 'White Splendour' have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Pollination

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies
• Flowers: Provide nectar and pollen for insects