Rue Anemone Anemonella thalictroides f. rosea 'Oscar Schoaf' (d)
ABOUT
Anemonella thalictroides f. rosea 'Oscar Schoaf,' commonly known as thimbleweed or rue anemone, is a charming perennial plant noted for its attractive floral display. The plant bears delicate, rosy-pink flowers which have a doubled appearance due to the numerous layers of petals that form an intricate, ruffled look. These blooms emerge above a lush mound of bright green, finely dissected leaves, which resemble those of the related meadow rue. The leaves are almost fern-like in texture, creating a soft and airy appearance. As a selected form of the species, 'Oscar Schoaf' distinguishes itself with its particularly vibrant pink coloration, which adds a vivid splash of color to garden spaces. The overall appearance of this plant is one of gentle beauty and grace, making it a delightful addition to woodland gardens and shady borders where its unique blossoms can be appreciated in the cooler months of the year.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rue Anemone, Windflower, Thalictrum Thalictroides, Anemonella.
Common names
Anemonella thalictroides 'Oscar Schoaf', Thalictrum thalictroides 'Oscar Schoaf', Syndesmon thalictroides 'Oscar Schoaf'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans. However, like many plants in the Ranunculaceae family, it may contain compounds that can be irritating or mildly toxic. Ingestion is usually not a significant concern due to the unpalatability of the plant, and cases of poisoning are rare. Nonetheless, if ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset or irritation of the mucous membranes.
To pets
For the Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides), there is limited information regarding its toxicity to pets. While many plants in the Ranunculaceae family can be toxic to pets, specifics on the Rue Anemone's effects are not widely documented. Nonetheless, it is generally recommended to keep pets away from this plant, as ingestion could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. If a pet ingests a part of this plant and shows symptoms of poisoning, contacting a veterinarian is advised.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Anemonella thalictroides f. rosea 'Oscar Schoaf', commonly known as Rue Anemone, offers delicate, pink, double flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in early spring, providing early seasonal interest after a long winter.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Rue Anemone is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is suitable for shaded areas where many other flowering plants may not thrive, expanding gardening possibilities under trees or in shadowed beds.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it shows a degree of drought resistance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or regions with less rainfall.
- Native Garden Design: As a native species, it fits well into native and woodland garden designs, encouraging local biodiversity.
- Ground Cover: The clumping growth habit can provide a natural-looking ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rue Anemone can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics. The roots can produce subtle colors ranging from pale yellows to soft browns when used in traditional dyeing processes.
- In small-scale landscaping, Rue Anemone can act as an indicator plant for seasonal changes due to its early spring blooming, signaling gardeners to prepare for spring planting.
- Rue Anemone's delicate appearance can add aesthetic value to terrariums or as a live element in artistic installations that aim to bring a touch of nature indoors.
- Provides a valuable food source for early spring pollinators, including bees and flies, which rely on its nectar and pollen when few other flowers are in bloom.
- Can be used in education to teach botany and plant life cycles, offering a real-life example of a spring ephemeral plant.
- In a woodland-themed fairy garden, Rue Anemone provides a natural and enchanting ground cover that complements miniature garden designs.
- When dried and pressed, Rue Anemone flowers can be used in crafting, such as in homemade paper making or botanical scrapbooking.
- These plants can be used in sensory gardens due to their interesting texture and form, providing a tactile experience for visitors.
- In photography, Rue Anemone's distinctive bloom offers a compelling subject for macro photography and natural light photography.
- As part of a wedding bouquet or floral arrangement, the Rue Anemone adds a unique and delicate wildflower touch to celebrations, especially in spring-themed events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Anemone is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Anemone is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Delicacy: Anemonella, commonly known as Rue Anemone, with its small and delicate flowers, symbolizes a sense of delicacy and gentle beauty.
- Anticipation: Rue Anemone blooms in early spring, representing the anticipation and hope for new beginnings often associated with the season.
- Fragility: The fragile nature of Rue Anemone's blossoms conveys the message of life's transient beauty and the importance of cherishing every moment.
- Protection: Anemone, in general, has been connected to the ancient myth of Aphrodite protecting Adonis with an anemone flower, thus symbolizing protection and care.
WaterRue Anemone prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually every week or two, depending on weather conditions. Use a gentle shower from a watering can or hose to avoid dislodging the plant from the soil, simulating natural rainfall. Provide about one inch of water, which typically equates to a gallon per square foot every couple of weeks during the growing season, less during dormancy.
LightRue Anemone thrives best in partial shade, mimicking its natural woodland habitat. It should be planted in a spot where it receives dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day. Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sunlight as it may cause foliage burn or stress the plant.
TemperatureRue Anemone is hardy and can typically handle temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 80°F, though it prefers the cooler end of this spectrum. The ideal growing temperatures range from 60°F to 70°F. Protect the plant from extreme cold and heat by providing mulch or shade as necessary.
PruningRue Anemone generally requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Prune away any dead or damaged foliage in early spring or after flowering to maintain plant health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRue Anemone prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix could be equal parts of loamy soil, leaf mold, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure drainage.
RepottingRue Anemone does not generally require frequent repotting. It may be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it is visibly outgrowing its current container.
Humidity & MistingAverage room humidity is suitable for Rue Anemone, but it benefits from a slightly higher humidity level, around 50-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide filtered light and moist, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Choose a shaded spot with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleRue Anemone 'Oscar Schoaf' (Anemonella thalictroides f. rosea 'Oscar Schoaf') typically begins its life cycle as a dormant tuber-like rhizome, which sprouts in early spring. Its foliage, delicate and fern-like, emerges from the ground followed by stems that bear charming, rose-pink double flowers. After flowering in the spring, the plant sets seed, which if conditions allow, will disperse and potentially germinate to create new plants. Throughout the summer, the leaves photosynthesize to nourish the rhizome until the plant goes dormant again in late summer to autumn, disappearing completely from the surface. The rhizome overwinters beneath the soil, leveraging stored energy to survive the cold months. With the return of favourable conditions in the following spring, the cycle restarts with new growth emerging from the rhizome.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Anemonella thalictroides f. rosea 'Oscar Schoaf', commonly known as the rue anemone, is by seed. Propagation by seed usually takes place in the fall after the seeds have ripened. Gardeners collect the dry seeds and sow them directly into a cold frame or a prepared seedbed outside. The seeds require a period of cold stratification, which means they need to be exposed to cold temperatures for several weeks to break their dormancy and promote germination. This can naturally occur during the winter months if the seeds are sown outdoors. As the temperatures warm up in the spring, the stratified seeds will begin to germinate. It is important to keep the seedbed moist during germination and to protect the seedlings from extreme weather and pests.
