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Oak anemone or Oak grove anemone (anemone nemorosa) is one of the most beautiful perennial herbaceous plants in our forests. Unusual flying flowers illuminating the space between the trees were associated with snowdrops, which do not grow everywhere. The regional names of the anemone reflect this fact: snow maiden, white scilla. This early flowering ephemeral plant disappears from view as soon as the seeds ripen. The poetic soul of the people, fascinated by the fragile flower, created an instructive legend about the origin of the plant.
Oak anemone is a consolation for Eve. When Adam and Eve left paradise, snow fell on them and they wept bitterly. The Creator took pity, and some snowflakes turned into cute flowers, as a promise of heavenly support in the earthly lot. Anemone has truly become an indispensable medicinal plant in folk medicine.
Favorite mid-spring flower
Anemone is noticeable among other herbaceous perennial plants on the forest carpet with its filigree, thrice-dissected leaves, which form vast, brightly saturated green clumps.Peduncles emerge from the rhizome one at a time, there are no sepals, so all 6-8 petals of the flower easily succumb to the slightest breath of wind. Hence the common name of the plant – anemone. Its white, lilac or light pink single flowers, up to 2-3 cm in diameter, like graceful forest ballerinas, dance gracefully, rapturously singing the hymn to spring in the still quiet, awakening April forest. Oak anemone blooms until mid-May.
And numerous seeds, hidden in a short-haired oblong achene with an oily appendage, ripen in June - to the delight of the ants, who stubbornly plant the oak anemone further. The plant also successfully reproduces vegetatively - its smooth, cylindrical rhizome spreads horizontally, forming picturesque thickets. The stem of the anemone oak forest is single, sparsely pubescent, erect, reaches 25 cm in height under favorable conditions, surrounded by leaves with short petioles, collected in threes in a whorl.
The herbaceous perennial plant oak anemone (anemone nemorosa) by its name indicates its habitat - deciduous forests, found on the edges of spruce forests, where oaks used to grow. Grows well in loose, fertile soils. Distributed throughout Europe; similar species are found in Siberia. Now the oak anemone or oak anemone (anemone nemorosa) is listed in the Red Book of many countries, including Russia. Its beauty attracts people who, by pulling the stem, destroy the rhizome, destroying the entire wild plant. But the perennial oak anemone can live in one place for up to 50 years!
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Anemones in our gardens
Wild perennial anemones are confidently gaining their place in gardens. Not only the delicate flowers look impressive, but also the carved leaves of this herbaceous plant.
They are a sophisticated decoration for:
- borders located near ornamental shrubs;
- small flower beds that are located under fruit trees;
- garden slides.
A harmonious neighborhood of transplanted wild perennial anemones with small varieties of bulbous plants, pansies, and various primroses. For open ground, oak anemone is a very successful herbaceous plant, due to the ability of its rhizome to spread over a large space in a relatively short time.
Plantations of oak anemone successfully develop in conditions similar to natural ones; planting and caring for perennial plants is not at all difficult. A little shade in summer and showers of sunshine in spring. Usually, for propagation of wild anemones, only pieces of rhizome with buds are taken.
It should be planted to a depth of 8-10 cm in July or August, when the above-ground part of this perennial herbaceous plant has already died off. Oak anemone is frost-resistant, ideal for open ground because it does not require shelter for the winter. Although the flower buds that form on the rhizomes in the fall may be damaged by severe frosts.
It must be emphasized that planting and caring for the numerous garden forms of anemone that have been bred by breeders are almost no different from the care of growing transplanted wild plants.
- Choose an area rich in humus, with slightly acidic or alkaline loose fertile soil;
- Sometimes a little sand is added to the soil, so it becomes more water- and breathable;
- Particular attention is paid to proper watering: the ground where anemones grow should be moist, but without stagnant water;
- The ideal solution is mulching with leaves of fruit trees;
- Anemone responds gratefully with abundant flowering to fertilizing.
Nowadays, plants are popular with petals of different colors, in which the underground part is nodules, not rhizomes. The conditions for planting and caring for them are somewhat different.
The Vestal oak anemone has a special charm. Its exclusive, large, snow-white porcelain flowers are 6 cm in diameter. The main advantage is a terry raised pompom in the center of the flower, which is formed from narrow petals. Surrounded by lacy leaves, the fluffy flowers of the Vestal anemone make an indelible impression of beauty and grace. The flowering period of this perennial herbaceous plant under appropriate planting and care conditions can reach two weeks.
The healing power of primrose
Among the characteristics of wild-growing anemone, one of the most valuable is the medicinal purpose of the plant. Used only in folk medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic and diaphoretic properties. Anemone herb is used for diseases of the heart, stomach, and also in the treatment of whooping cough, gout, paralysis, pneumonia, and dermatoses.
Most often, anemone herb is collected for external use in the form of compresses to relieve rheumatism and gout.Various lotions or washes are popular in the case of non-healing wounds or dermatoses.
To make the infusion, dry anemone grass is crushed, two teaspoons are poured into a glass container and a glass of not hot, but boiled water is poured. They insist for a day.
The use of any dosage forms from anemone nemorosa is strictly prohibited:
- pregnant women, because its abortive properties are noted;
- suffering from kidney inflammation.
Even when collecting anemone herb for external use, precautions must be taken by using gloves. Reckless behavior may result in burns to the skin and mucous membranes.
The salvation of the forest beauty is in our hands
Due to its healing properties, and in our time - simply for its unique and vibrant beauty, this wild herbaceous plant with beautiful flowers is on the verge of extinction. In order not to cause damage to nature, it is better to admire the amazingly delicate flower, photograph it, but not pick it.
