Summary
False rue-anemone (Enemion biternatum) blankets the ground from early to mid spring with masses of five-petaled white blossoms borne above bright green, deeply-cut foliage. Blooms are followed by green, star-shaped seedheads. Reaching only 4-6″ tall, it spreads to form large masses, preferring filtered to partial shade in moist, organic, well-drained, and slightly alkaline soils. The mature foliage fades by summer, but is replaced with a second flush in fall, lending its unique texture to the autumn and winter landscape. When in bloom, it is commonly mistaken for rue anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides). However, the presence of deeply-lobed leaflets easily differentiate it. A lovely addition to a woodland or naturalistic garden, false rue-anemone thrives with sessile-leaf bellwort (Uvularia sessilifolia), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), red trillium (Trillium erectum), Jacob’s- ladder (Polemonium reptans). Zones 3-8.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial - Sun/Shade Conditions
filtered-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average - Flowering Period
early-to-mid-spring - Soil PH
adaptable, alkaline - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
dormant - Other Scientific Names
Isopyrum biternatum
- Fall Foliage Color
green - Other Common Names
Eastern false rue anemone - Fruit/Seed Color
tan
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden, Illinois Wildflowers, Flora of North America, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center