Native Plants to Know: Thimbleweed (Anemone cylindrica)

Written by Eric Puetz, Research Associate with the Native Plant Initiative, under the direction and review of Lora Perkins, Associate Professor, in the Native Plant Initiative and the SDSU Department of Natural Resource Management; Robin Buterbaugh, Kristine Lang, and Amanda Bachmann.

Figure 1. Anemone cylindrica in an upland prairie. Note the basal leaves and tightly packed seed heads filled with achenes (single-seeded fruits) that form a thimble-like seed head. (Courtesy: Eric Puetz)

Anemone cylindrica (Ranunculaceae), also known by the common names of thimbleweed or candle anemone, is a perennial, herbaceous plant (which means it has a non-woody stem) that is native to the prairies and woodland areas of central and northern North America (Figure 1).

Plant Profile

This species has one-to-two-feet-tall erect stems and a basal clump of palm-like leaflets that radiate from a single point (Figure 2). The white flowers mature to form a cylindrical seedhead that resembles a sewing thimble.

Anemone cylindrica’s flowers contain no true petals but are surrounded by four to five white sepals. This species blooms from mid to late summer and when mature, it produces a seed head filled with tightly packed achenes (single seeded fruits) less than half an inch wide with long, cottony hairs. This plant grows in full to partial sun. Following fertilization of the flowers, the tightly packed seed heads resemble a thimble, but gradually loosen in the fall, appearing soft, cottony or even woolly (Figure 3). Seed is not easily dispersed, and the thimble-like seed heads slowly loosen as the seasons change from fall into winter.

Leaves

A cluster of green leaflets emerging from the soil. Brown organic residue surrounds the plant growth. — Figure 2. Early spring foliage of Anemone cylindrica. Note the unique, palmately compound leaflets (palm-like leaflets that radiate from a single point). (Courtesy: Eric Puetz)

Seed Head

This species is known to be primarily self-pollinated, which means pollen from the same plant fertilizes the individual. This species produces approximately 200 achenes per seed head. Seed dispersal is thought to occur via wind and weather events, and the cottony/woolly structures aid in localized seed dispersal.

In Your Garden

This species thrives, despite poor soil, and it provides a unique addition to gardens with full to partial sun. If you’re looking to add texture to your landscape, consider adding thimbleweed!