Anemone canadensis - Canada Anemone

Ranunculaceae Family - "Canada Anemone, Round-leaved Anemone, Crowfoot"

Anemone from the Greek term anemone, meaning "wind" which probably refers to seed distribution or perhaps because the delicate stems and leaves sometimes appear to tremble in the wind. Canadensis from the Latin meaning "of Canada". According to Greek mythology, an anemone grew up from the spots where the tears of Venus dropped to the ground as she mourned the death of Adonis.

Very common throughout all of Eastern North America, Canada Anemone has showy white flowers and can grow to about two feet in height. It prefers moist environments in the prairie and calcareous or alluvial soils. It also grows along railroads and in moist roadside ditches. It doesn't do well when competing for space with other, taller prairie species, but it will thrive in wet, disturbed areas at pothole edges. Anemone canadensis blooms from late May through the better part of July.

The Meskwaki of Central Iowa made a tea of the roots to ease the discomfort of headache and for dizziness; there is also a reference to this species ability to help uncross crossed eyes. This was doubtless more of a psychological cure than an actual physical one.