Eastern False Rue Anemone
Enemion biternatum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Eastern False Rue Anemone (Enemion biternatum) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, FL, IA and 19 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees and beetles.
Toxicity unknown
Eastern False Rue Anemone (Enemion biternatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, IA and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
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False rue anemone is a delicate spring wildflower with small white flowers and compound leaves that resemble those of rue or meadow rue. This low-growing perennial blooms in April and May, then goes dormant by midsummer, disappearing completely until the following spring.
Growing Eastern False Rue Anemone
Grow Eastern False Rue Anemone in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eastern False Rue 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.
- Goes completely dormant by midsummer leaving bare spots
- Very small and can appear sparse or weedy
- May be mistaken for a weed due to delicate appearance
Wildlife value
The early spring flowers provide nectar for bees and beetles when few other plants are blooming. Seeds may be collected by small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Eastern False Rue Anemone need?
- Eastern False Rue Anemone grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Eastern False Rue Anemone bloom?
- Eastern False Rue Anemone blooms in April and May.
- Where is Eastern False Rue Anemone native?
- Eastern False Rue Anemone (Enemion biternatum) is native to AL, AR, FL, IA and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Eastern False Rue Anemone attract?
- Eastern False Rue Anemone draws bees and beetles.
- Is Eastern False Rue Anemone HOA-friendly?
- Eastern False Rue 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Eastern False Rue Anemone? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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