Cutleaf Anemone

anemone multifida

Also known as: ["Western pasqueflower","Cutleaf anemone"]

Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Anemone Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with finely dissected leaves and showy flowers, native to North America.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Anemone
Botanical Name: Anemone multifida

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or containers in temperate climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; light pruning as needed to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade (4–6 hours/day). Tolerates full sun in cooler climates but prefers afternoon shade in hot regions.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or compacted soil.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in direct sun; monitor for leaf scorch.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and weather.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; topdress with compost annually.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Prefers cooler nights and tolerates frost.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent cool nights.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Early spring or after flowering when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent plants; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent blooms; trim back leggy stems to promote bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and tidy up leggy growth for better form.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; make clean cuts; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce frequency in fall-winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf yellowing, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth but can tolerate light frost. Prolonged freezing may damage foliage.

Solution: Provide frost protection in severe cold; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt or scorch in excessive heat, leading to reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring-summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall-winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Anemone multifida may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Anemone multifida can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, disrupting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Anemone multifida are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can reduce photosynthetic capacity and, if severe, lead to defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Anemone multifida due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Anemone multifida upon ingestion. The plant's toxic compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and other adverse reactions in felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite abdominal pain tremors
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots stems leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek immediate veterinary care.
Dogs
Toxic

Ingestion of Anemone multifida by dogs can lead to toxic effects due to the presence of toxic compounds. These substances can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects in canines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite abdominal pain excessive drooling
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots stems leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Anemone multifida contains toxic compounds that can cause significant physiological effects upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with cellular processes, leading to irritation and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and other affected areas.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots stems leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Anemone multifida toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Anemone multifida attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How difficult is it to care for Anemone multifida?

A: It is easy to care for with low maintenance requirements.

Quick Reference
Family: Ranunculaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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