Anemonopsis, the false anemone,[1] is a monotypic genus in the family Ranunculaceae, containing only the species Anemonopsis macrophylla, endemic to Japan’s main island of Honshu. The generic name Anemonopsis refers to it being Anemone-like (-opsis), and its specific epithet macrophylla means “large-leaved”.
Anemonopsis is a herbaceous perennial growing approximately 75 cm high, with pale lavender flowers in late summer, each about 2 cm in diameter. The flowers are bowl-shaped with a rosette of petals in the center, and are downward facing. The flowers are held well above the foliage; although not a small plant, the overall impression is one of daintiness and airiness.
When in full bloom, the flowers resemble small lotuses, giving rise to its Japanese name of renge-shōma (蓮華升麻, lit. “lotus-shōma”). The genus Kirengeshoma in turn is named after it.
Native to Japan’s colder temperate areas (southern Tōhoku to Kinki), Anemonopsis is frost-hardy at least to zone 4. It is a true woodland plant and cannot tolerate full sun without the leaves scorching, except perhaps in very cool, damp climates. It must also be protected from drying winds.
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