Herb: Tall Thimbleweed


Latin name: Anemone virginiana


Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)



Medicinal use of Tall Thimbleweed:

The root and seeds are astringent, emetic and expectorant. A decoction of the roots was used in the treatment of TB, whooping cough and diarrhoea. The root is pulverised and used as a wet poultice in the treatment of boils.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July

Habitat of the herb:

Dry open woods. Dry, rocky, open woods, thickets and river banks from sea level to 2000 metres.

Propagation of Tall Thimbleweed:

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer. Surface sow or only just cover the seed and keep the soil moist. Sow stored seed as soon as possible in late winter or early spring. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 months at 20°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first year in a lightly shaded place in a greenhouse. When large enough, plant them out into their permanent positions in the spring. Division in late summer after the plant dies down.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry open woods. Dry, rocky, open woods, thickets and river banks from sea level to 2000 metres.

Known hazards of Anemone virginiana:

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, it belongs to a family where many of the plants are poisonous. Some caution is therefore advised.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.