Anemone cylindrica - Candle anemone

Anemone cylindrica, known as candle anemone, is a herbaceous, multi-year plant from the family of Ranunculaceae. It is native to North America and occurs in open forests, prairies and disturbed habitats such as road edges. Due to its adaptability and attractive appearance, it is also valued in natural gardens.

Morphology and appearance

Anemone cylindrica grows upright and reaches a height of 30 to 80 centimeters. It forms a deep, strong rootstock that enables the plant to thrive even under dry conditions.

The basic leaves are elevated, deeply cut and three -part. They often have a slightly hairy surface and are dark green, which gives the plant an elegant appearance. Further up on the stem there are smaller, loudly arranged high leaves that sit directly below the inflorescence.

The heyday of Anemone cylindrica extends over the period of spring. The flowers are inconspicuous and greenish-white to cream-colored, with five to eight elongated high leaves that act as sepals. Cron leaves are missing, which is typical of many types of genus Anemone. The stamens are numerous and yellowish colored, which gives the flowers a delicate but striking character.

After flowering, the plant develops cylindrical, bristly fruit stands that give its name to the species. These fruit stands that are preserved for several weeks contain numerous small axles that spread through the wind.

Distribution and habitat

The natural distribution area of ​​Anemone cylindrica extends over large parts of North America, from Canada to the south of the United States. The plant prefers open locations with well -drained soils that can vary from sandy to loamy. It thrives both in full sun and in partial shade and is extremely drought -resistant.

Anemone cylindrica plays an important role in the vegetation structure in prairing areas. It is often in community with other typical types of prairies such as Schizachyrium scoparium (Small praire ras) and Echinacea purpurea (Red sun hat).

Ecological importance

Anemone cylindrica has an important ecological function in her natural habitat. Their flowers offer food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The bristly hairy fruit stands are adapted to wind spreading, which contributes to the spread of the plant and contributes to the stabilization of soils in open habitats.

The deep roots of the plant improve the soil structure and contribute to water infiltration, which makes it a valuable part of prairie ecosystems. It also offers living space for smaller insects and plays a role in promoting biodiversity in natural gardens.

Use and cultural importance

Anemone cylindrica is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant, but gains popularity in natural garden design. It is easy to care for, dry and aesthetically appealing, especially through its unusual fruit stands. These fruit stands remain attractive until autumn and give the plant a high decorative value even after flowering.

In some indigenous cultures of North America, the plant was traditionally used for medical purposes. Extracts from the root were used in folk medicine to treat skin problems and slight inflammation. However, due to its content of protoanemonine, a potentially toxic substance, the plant should be handled with caution.

Anemone cylindrica is occasionally used in renaturation projects and erosion control, especially in regions with sandy or dry soils, since it contributes to stabilizing the soil and offers habitat for wild animals.