TALL THIMBLE WEED Anemone virginiana
Anemone virginiana is a perennial that grows 30–80 centimetres (12–31 in) tall, flowering from May until July, the flowers are white or greenish-white. After flowering the fruits are produced, called achenes, and when ripe they have gray-white colored, densely woolly styles, that allow them to blow away in the wind. The leaf structure is whorled halfway up the stem and each individual leaf appears to be deeply cut. Native from eastern North America, where it is found growing in dry or open woods. This plant can be found in 38 out of the 50 states in the U.S. and is located anywhere from Maine to Minnesota going west, and found as far south as Georgia and Louisiana.
Common Names include tall anemone, thimble-weed and tumble-weed. Note that several other plant species are known as "thimbleweed". Anemone virginiana was also given the common Name "Thimbleweed" due to its pistil resembling the shape of a thimble. This plant is very durable in different weather conditions, ranging from part to sun and being drought and cold tolerant. It prefers acidic soils but will tolerate liming, making it great for gardens.
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Height: 3'
Note: This plant species is known to have toxicity.
Seeds per pack: 30
Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them begin to grow. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water. Place them in a clear plastic bag (to retain moisture), and in a refrigerator for 5-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container back at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout several weeks after the warming period.
These seeds can also be planted in a cold frame outdoors in very early spring, while the temperatures are still cold and fluctuating, as long as you are able to keep the soil consistently moist. They will still need several weeks to germinate.
