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Canada Anemone

Anemone canadensis

Last reviewed: July 2026

Canada Anemone is a native wildflower found in New York and other northern states, blooming white flowers from May through June. This spreading perennial thrives in moist soils and attracts bees and beetles.

Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis)
Photo: (c) Dendroica cerulea, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CO, CT and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Canada anemone produces delicate white flowers with yellow centers in late spring and early summer. This native wildflower spreads to form colonies and works well in naturalized areas or woodland gardens.

Growing Canada Anemone

Grow Canada Anemone in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Canada Anemone takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
  • May appear untidy when not in bloom
  • Natural growth habit too informal for most front yards

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during its May and June bloom period. Seeds provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

When does Canada Anemone bloom?
Canada Anemone typically blooms from May through June, producing white flowers that attract various pollinators.
What pollinators visit Canada Anemone?
Bees and beetles are common pollinators of Canada Anemone flowers during its spring to early summer blooming period.
Where is Canada Anemone native?
Canada Anemone is native to New York and many other northern and midwestern states, typically growing in moist meadows and prairies.
What growing conditions does Canada Anemone prefer?
This native wildflower grows best in medium to moist soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions.
Is Canada Anemone HOA-friendly?
Canada Anemone takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Canada Anemone? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz