The Resplendent Windflower
Wood anemone – Anemone quinquefolia L. Buttercup (Ranunculaceae)
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Look for Wood anemone on your woodland walks. The pure white flowers on 4-8 inch stalks above the whorl of leaves makes this an easy wildflower to spot in the spring. The scalloped leaves are divided in 3 to 5 leaflets.
The delicate flowers sway easily even in a soft breeze. This trait gives the plant its Latin name Anemone meaning windflower. The second part of the Latin name is quinquefolia, translating as five leaves.
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The root of Wood anemone is horizontal, with many flowers and leaves growing from a common root system. Because of this root system wood anemone can form a carpet of plants.
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Our guest blogger, Julianne Mehegan, is a wonderful friend of MABA, a birder and a naturalist.