Anemones: Wood Anemones Anemones (continued) Wood Anemones Actually these anemones don't have bulbs, they have rhizomes. These rhizomes look sort of like long, thin brown or black carrots, which you plant sideways. However, they do the job, so don't worry. If you have a damp, shady spot in your garden that couldn't grow anything decent, Wood Anemones are the answer to your prayer. These are among the few spring flowers which actually prefer shade (or, at least, partial shade) to full sun. So, rejoice, and plant Wood Anemones! As with the Grecian Windflowers, Wood Anemones are also very long-blooming: they last for about 4 - 6 weeks, and they naturalize (come back year after year and multiply) very easily. Wood Anemones aren't as showy as Grecian Windflowers. Their colours are pastels, rather than jewel tones. In addition, Wood Anemones are not commercially available everywhere. However, considering that they are another "Plant and Forget" candidate, they are well worth searching for.

A Modern Herbal | Anemone (Wood) ---Parts Used---Root, leaves, juice. The Wood Anemone is one of the earliest spring flowers. ---Description--- It has a long, tough, creeping root-stock, running just below the surface; it is the quick growth of this root-stock that causes the plant to spread so rapidly, forming large colonies in the moist soil of wood and thicket. The deeply-cut leaves and star-like flowers rise directly from it on separate unbranched stems. Some distance below the flower are the three leaflets, often so deeply divided as to appear more than three in number and very similar to the true leaves. They wrap round and protect the flower-bud before it unfolds, but as it opens, its stalk lengthens and it is carried far above them. The flower has no honey and little scent, and apparently relies little on the visits of insects for the fertilization of its one-celled seed-vessels, which are in form like those of the butter-cup, arranged in a mass in the centre of the many stamens, and are termed achenes.

As in all the Anemones, there are no true petals, what seem so are really the sepals, which have assumed the colouring and characteristics of petals. They are six in number, pure white on the upper surfaces and pale rose-coloured beneath. In sunshine, the flower is expanded wide, but at the approach of night, it closes and droops its graceful head so that the dew may not settle on it and injure it. If rain threatens in the daytime, it does the same, receiving the drops upon its back, whence they trickle of harmlessly from the sepal tips. The way the sepals then fold over the mass of stamens and undeveloped seed-vessels in their centre has been likened to a tent, in which, as used fancifully to be said by country-folk, the fairies nestled for protection, having first pulled the curtains round them. The plant is very liable to attack from certain fungi: at times, a species of Puccinia settles on it, the result being that the stalks of infected leaves grow rapidly, high above the others, though the leaves themselves dwindle and lose their divisions.

A species of Sclerotinia attacks the swollen tubers of the root, doing still more harm, for in the spring there arise not the delicate white flowers, but the ugly fructifications of the fungus. Though so innocent in appearance, the Wood Anemone possesses all the acrid nature of its tribe and is bitter to the tongue and poisonous. Cattle have been poisoned, Linnaeus tells us, by eating it in the fresh state after having been underfed and kept on dry food during the winter, so that they were ready to browse on the first leaves they saw. A vinegar made from the leaves retains all the more acrid properties of the plant, and is put in France to many domestic purposes: its rubifacient effects have caused it to be used externally in the same way as mustard. The Egyptians held the Anemone as the emblem of sickness, perhaps from the flush of colour upon the backs of the white sepals. The Chinese call it the 'Flower of Death.' In some European countries it is looked on by the peasants as a flower of ill-omen, though the reason of the superstition is obscure.

The Romans plucked the first Anemones as a charm against fever, and in some remote districts this practice long survived, it being considered a certain cure to gather an Anemone saying, 'I gather this against all diseases,' and to tie it round the invalid's neck. Greek legends say that Anemos, the Wind, sends his namesakes the Anemones, in the earliest spring days as the heralds of his coming. Pliny affirmed that they only open when the wind blows, hence their name of Windflower, and the unfolding of the blossoms in the rough, windy days of March has been the theme of many poets: 'Coy anemone that ne'er uncloses Her lips until they're blown on by the wind.' Culpepper also uses the word 'windflower.' In Greek mythology it sprang from the tears of Venus, as she wandered through the woodlands weeping for the death of Adonis - 'Where streams his blood there blushing springs a rose And where a tear has dropped, a wind-flower blows.' The old herbalists called the Wood Anemone the Wood Crowfoot, because its leaves resemble in shape those of some species of Crowfoot. We also find it called Smell Fox.

The specific name of nemorosa refers to its woodland habits. ['Anemone nemorosa, Varieties in,' by E. J. Salisbury (Ann. Bot., October 1916, Vol. XXXX, No. CXX: figs.) - Two varieties distinct from the common form are mentioned as being fairly numerous in some of the Hertfordshire woodlands, and for which the author has proposed the names A. nemorosa, var. robusta and A. nemorosa, var. apetala. The former differs from the normal type in the lighter green colour and larger size of the vegetative organs and in the perianth segments, which are broadest above the middle and rounded towards the apex. The latter bears inconspicuous flowers, which are small purplish-green structures, and it is noted that these plants are usually associated with the more deeply shaded situations, but as this character is maintained when the coppice in which the variety grows is felled, it is not considered a mere effect of inadequate illumination. - G.D.L.] Anemone | Define Anemone at Dictionary.com anemone noun 1.

any of various plants belonging to the genus Anemone, of the buttercup family, having petallike sepals and including several wild species with white flowers as well as others cultivated for their showy flowers in a variety of colors. 2. Latin 1545-1555 1545-55; < Latin < Greek: literally, daughter of the wind, equivalent to ánem(os) wind + -ōnē feminine patronymic suffix; see -one Dictionary.com Unabridged Examples from the Web for anemone Expand On the Seashore R. Cadwallader Smith The Japanese anemone should be replanted only in the spring. Bob Strong's Holidays John Conroy Hutcheson A lovely hybrid between it and R. indica has been raised and named anemone. The White Peacock D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence anemone Cottage was built partly of boulders taken from the shore. The Opened Shutters Clara Louise Burnham British Dictionary definitions for anemone Expand noun 1. any ranunculaceous woodland plant of the genus Anemone of N temperate regions, such as the white-flowered A.

nemorosa (wood anemone or windflower). Some cultivated anemones have lilac, pale blue, pink, purple, or red flowers See also pasqueflower Compare sea anemone Word Origin C16: via Latin from Greek: windflower, from anemos wind Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for anemone Expand n. flowering plant genus, 1550s, from Middle French anemone (16c.) and directly from Latin anemone, from Greek anemone "wind flower," literally "daughter of the wind," from anemos "wind" (cognate with Latin anima; see animus ) + -one feminine patronymic suffix. According to Asa Gray, so called because it was thought to open only when the wind blows.

Klein suggests the flower name perhaps originally is from Hebrew (cf. na'aman, in nit'e na'amanim, literally "plants of pleasantness," in Is. xvii:10, from na'em "was pleasant"). Applied to a type of sea creature (sea anemone) from 1773. Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Anemone - definition of anemone by The Free Dictionary Anemone - definition of anemone by The Free Dictionary (ə-nĕm′ə-nē) n. 1. Any of various perennial herbs of the genus Anemone in the buttercup family, native chiefly to northern temperate regions and having palmately lobed leaves and large white or brightly colored flowers. Also called windflower. 2. A sea anemone.

[Latin anemōnē, from Greek, perhaps from anemos, wind (perhaps because the petals are lost easily in wind); see anə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots, or perhaps of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew Na'ămān, a man's name (literally "pleasantness") and na'ămānîm, perhaps a distortion of an epithet of Adonis in Isaiah17:10; see nʕm in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] anemone (əˈnɛmənɪ) n (Plants) any ranunculaceous woodland plant of the genus Anemone of N temperate regions, such as the white-flowered A. nemorosa (wood anemone or windflower). Some cultivated anemones have lilac, pale blue, pink, purple, or red flowers. See also pasqueflower Compare sea anemone [C16: via Latin from Greek: windflower, from anemos wind] a•nem•o•ne (əˈnɛm əˌni) n. 1.

any of various plants belonging to the genus Anemone, of the buttercup family, having petallike sepals in a variety of colors. [1545–55; < Latin < Greek: literally, daughter of the wind ánem(os) wind] a·nem·o·ne Noun 1.

anemone - any woodland plant of the genus Anemone grown for its beautiful flowers and whorls of dissected leaves flower - a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms genus Anemone - perennial herbs with tuberous roots and beautiful flowers; of north and south temperate regions Anemone Canadensis , Canada anemone - common summer-flowering woodland herb of Labrador to Colorado Anemone cylindrica , thimbleweed - a common North American anemone with cylindrical fruit clusters resembling thimbles Anemone nemorosa , wood anemone - European anemone with solitary white flowers common in deciduous woodlands Anemone quinquefolia , snowdrop , wood anemone - common anemone of eastern North America with solitary pink-tinged white flowers Anemone sylvestris , snowdrop anemone , snowdrop windflower - Eurasian herb with solitary nodding fragrant white flowers 2.

anemone - marine polyps that resemble flowers but have oral rings of tentacles; differ from corals in forming no hard skeleton actinian , actiniarian , actinia - any sea anemone or related animal Translations [əˈnemənɪ] N (Bot) → anémona f, anemone f; (= sea anemone) → anémona f anemone (also sea anemone) → anémone f de mer anemone n (Bot) → Anemone f, → Buschwindröschen nt; (= sea anemone) → Seeanemone f anemone [əˈnɛmənɪ] n (Bot) → anemone m (also sea anemone) → anemone m di mare , attinia Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: Anemone nemorosa References in classic literature ?

More yellow was her head than the flowers of the broom, and her skin was whiter than the foam of the wave, and fairer were her hands and her fingers than the blossoms of the wood anemone amidst the spray of the meadow fountain. View in context Gnarled olive trees covered the hills with their dusky foliage, fruit hung golden in the orchard, and great scarlet anemones fringed the roadside, while beyond green slopes and craggy heights, the Maritime Alps rose sharp and white against the blue Italian sky. View in context Here is a preserve of sea-cucumber, which a Malay would declare to be unrivalled in the world; here is a cream, of which the milk has been furnished by the cetacea, and the sugar by the great fucus of the North Sea; and, lastly, permit me to offer you some preserve of anemones, which is equal to that of the most delicious fruits.

View in context They had not intended to spend the afternoon, but found themselves too fascinated to turn away from the breakers bursting upon the rocks and from the many kinds of colorful sea life starfish, crabs, mussels, sea anemones, and, once, in a rock-pool, a small devilfish that chilled their blood when it cast the hooded net of its body around the small crabs they tossed to it. View in context It was a drama straight out of Game of Thrones as a bloody battle between would-be kings unfolded, as Smooth fought and lost to Sargasso, who fought and lost to Anemone 04 (I think they could have used a bit of help from George RR Martin in making up these names) and lost an antler in the process, snapped clean off. The TV man who's seen it all; Autumnwatch was a thrillingly gory watch as deer locked antlers in their battle to be king. It was more court jester over in Lord Sugar's boardroom as the contestants acted liked kids. Meanwhile, it was no joke for a ballet-dancing competitor on Who Dares Wins.

And it's farewell to a legend as the Fonz leads the tributes to Happy Days favourite Anemone nemorosa is pure white, with a soft, pinky-grey reverse to its petals. Say hello to some shady characters; Woodland plants are out in force, carpeting ground and bank, and we can bring some of their spring magic to our own gardens Erythronium 'Joanna', trout lily, above, and Anemone nemorosa 'Vestal', left ask Carol QWE WANT to grow a cordon or fan-trained apple. Wood Anemone - Norfolk Wildlife Trust Wood Anemone Update: 18 January 2017 Following the flooding a... Features 2/2 Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa An attractive early spring flower found mainly in ancient woodlands, as well as a few other favoured sites such as hedge banks, churchyards and parks. Conservation status Wood anemones are considered common and are not thought to be under threat in Norfolk. Details Did you know? On warm spring days large clumps of wood anemones can give off a strong, musky perfume.

Wood anemones are also known as windflowers, so called because according to the Greek writer Pliny the flowers will not open until the wind blows. Smell foxes is another name given to the wood anemone due to the musky scent of the flower. In Britain the seeds of wood anemones are mostly infertile and so it spreads slowly through the growth of its roots. How to recognise A delicate, short red-stemmed species. Each stem has a single, star-shaped flower. Generally it has white petals which contrast with the yellow stamens and anthers in the centre of the flower. Purple-streaked petals also sometimes occur - this form is quite common in NWT Wayland Wood . Where to see Wood anemones are associated with ancient deciduous woodlands. Although woodland plants they need more sunlight than can penetrate dense overgrown places and so only flower where sunlight can reach the ground, as found in coppiced and deciduous woodland. Some of the best colonies of wood anemones are in NWT Wayland Wood , the site of the ‘Babes in the Wood’ story. When to see Flowers from March to May.

Find out more Plantlife How to help The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves sympathetically for a range of spring flowers, from delicate wood anemones to showy bluebells, golden lesser celandine to fragrant ramsons. A mix of coppicing, scrub-cutting and ride maintenance open up the woodland floor to the sun, helping many flowers and plants to thrive. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to raising awareness about woodland wildlife. Related reserves Related questions & advice Can you identify a plant or animal for me if I don't know what it is? If you are able to take a photograph or make a good description at the time, then this will increase the chances of identifying your sighting. Details such as date and time of your observation, location, type of habitat your plant or animal was seen in and its general shape, colour and any unusual or striking markings should be noted. If you send these details and any photo to Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s wildlife information service by email we will do our best to help you. If you are using a field guide to help you identify your sighting, remember to check the distribution details.

You can usually rule out species which don’t normally occur in the UK and remember, if faced by two alternatives its likely to be the commoner one and not the rarity! Some species are tricky to identify and without a good view even an expert won’t be able to put a name to everything they spot. Where can I buy wildflowers from? British Wildflower retailers in Norfolk include: Natural Surroundings Tel: 01263 711 091 Surveying Plants - How do I find out what wild flowers grow in my local area? Use survey form k. Many wild flowers are confined to particular habitats such as woodlands, wetlands or meadows. Some plants will only grow on particular soil types. Getting to know the complete range of wild flowers in your local area is a fun and rewarding activity but will involve visiting the full range of habitats at several different times of year. Unless you are part of an enthusiastic team this may be impractical during the course of a single growing season, and it may be more manageable to select a smaller area, say a roadside verge, and try to build a comprehensive picture of what is growing there over the course of a year. You can extend your survey in subsequent years to cover other habitats.

A good method of surveying plants in a large area such as a meadow will be to mark out a representative area of say, 5m x 5m or use a small quadrat at regular intervals over the complete area. As well as listing the plants you find try to estimate the percentage of the area covered by individual species by using the following key: Code D = species makes up more than 50% of area and/or is the dominant species. Code A = species is abundant and makes up between 26% and 50% of area. Code F = species is frequently encountered and makes up between 11% and 25% of area. Code O = species is occasionally encountered and makes up between 5% and 10% of area. Code R = species is rare and makes up less than 5% of the area. If possible carry out this survey at least three times during a year: Spring – March/April MEANINGS & LEGENDS OF FLOWERS - A Family: Amaryllidaceae Common names: ~Lily of the Nile~ ~Blue African Lily ~ ~African Lily~ Agapanthus originates from South Africa.

The scientific name refers to the Greek word ~agape~ for ~love~ and ~anthos~ for ~ flower.~ The lily-like florets clustered on a long, thick leafless stem are available year-round in purple and white. Agapanthus is sensitive to the presence of ethylene gas. This flower should be kept away from naturally occurring gas, i.e. ripening fruit. Agave Agave americana L. Family: Agavaceae Common Names: ~Century Plant ~ ~West Indian Daggerlog ~ ~Rattlesnake-master~ ~False Aloe~ ~American Aloe~ ~Aloe~ ~Spiked Aloe~ ~Flowering Aloe~ ~American Agave~ ~American Century~ ~Miracle of Nature~ ~Maguey~ Grows in the arid and semi-arid regions of tropical America and in some parts of Europe. Agave is considered to be the ~Mexican Tree of Life and Abundance,~ because the people of that region have had so many uses for it. Its popular name ~Century Plant~ comes from the mistaken notion that it blooms only once in a hundred years. The time of blooming depends upon the plant's vigor and the conditions under which it grows.

In warm countries flowers appear in a few years. In colder climates it requires from 40 to 60 years. After blooming once, the plant dies. The sap has disinfectant properties. Water in which century plant fiber has been soaked for a day can be used as a tonic for falling hair. The Aztecs made paper from the leaves, and the leaf fibers were made into strong thread. The leaf, when dried, can be smoked like tobacco. An extract of the leaves, made into a ball, lathers like soap. The leaf thorns can be used for pins and needles. The dried flower stems can be used to make a thatch that is impervious to water. The flower stem is fermented to make a wine called Pulque which is a popular alcoholic drink in Northern Mexico. The leaves were also used medicinally by Indians of the Southwestern United States and this plant is also a modern source of steroids. It is the National Flower of Antigua.

Allamanda Malay Names: ~Akar Chempaka Hutan~ ~ Bunga Akar Kuning~ Common Names: ~Golden Trumpet~ ~Yellow Allamanda~ ~Common Allamanda~ ~Yellow Trumpet Vine~ ~Golden Allamanda~ ~Golden Cup~ Alamanda means ~Heavenly Chief.~ It is a showy climbing shrub which bears bright yellow tubular flowers with spreading lobes. The name Allamanda comes from Dr. F. Allamanda, a professor of natural history in Leyden in the latter part of the 18th Century. Allamanda is native to Brazil. All allamandas are very poisonous if ingested. In Suriname's traditional medicine the roots are used against jaundice, complications with malaria and enlarged spleen. The flowers are used as a laxative. It has also an antibiotic action against Staphylococcus.

Aloe Aloe barbadensis Family: Liliaceae Common names: ~Lily of the Desert~ ~Plant of Immortality~ ~Medicine Plant~ ~Burn Plant~ ~First-aid plant~ ~Miracle Plant~ ~Single Bible~ and ~Quinine Leaf~ ~Barbados~ ~Aloe Barbados~ ~Curacao Aloe~ Sanskrit Name: ~ Kumari~ Chinese Name : ~Lu hui~ Aloe, is native to Africa, and derived it's name from the Arabic word ~alloeh~ meaning ~bitter~ because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. In Latin, its meaning ~true aloe~ is considered to be ~the most effective healer. ~ It originated in the Cape Verde islands but according to early historical records, it appeared in Egypt, Arabia, and India. Aloe reached the West Indies in the 16th century and is widely cultivated there. First documented by the Mesopotamians in 1750 B.C., and later by the Egyptians ~550 B.C.~ and the Greeks, aloe vera has been used to treat everything from constipation to minor cuts and burns. Ancient Assyrians used Aloe vera as a drink.

In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded its use in treating burns, infections and parasites. The Egyptians, Chaldeans and Hebrews valued the juice of the aloe as a precious and holy medicine. Both Cleopatra and the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti used aloe to preserve their skins against the Egyptian sun. The Egyptians were also believed to have used the aloe plant in their embalming process. In the Bible, Aloe is mentioned 5 times; ~Numbers 24:6,~ ~John 19:39,~ ~Proverbs 7:17,~ ~Psalm 45:8~ and ~Song of Solomon 4:13-14.~ Ancient Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards have used it throughout the ages. African hunters still rub the gel on their bodies to reduce perspiration. Aristotle persuaded his mentor, Alexander the Great, to conquer the island of Socroto off the East Coast of Africa, for the sole purpose of obtaining sufficient amount of Aloe to maintain his army medical stores. This was the primary medicine used to heal the wounds of his soldiers.

Missionaries who followed Columbus to the New World, documented their work with many references to the healing properties of Aloe Vera. Those same records document the widespread use of Aloe by the ancient peoples of Mexico, Central and South America. Aloe is said to have the powers luck and protection. It is believed that an aloe plant in the home is known to guard against evil influences and prevent household accidents. It also brings good luck. The plant is about 96% water. As a food supplement, aloe is said to help digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions. Aloe can aid in keeping the skin supple, and has been used in the control of acne and eczema. It can relieve itching due to insect bites and allergies. The leaves contain a special gel that is used in cosmetics and skin creams. The clear gel has an ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns. It was known to Greeks and Romans, who also used the gel for wounds. One blade of aloe can be used for weeks. The severed end of the blade is self healing. The juice is bitter and extracted for medicinal use. Aloe was a favorite purgative during the Middle Ages.

In China, similar uses developed to those in the West, although only the gel is used; in India, the gel is a highly regarded cooling tonic. In the East Indies, aloes are used as a varnish, to preserve wood from worms and other insects. Aloes are used for preserving ships from worms and the adhesion of barnacles. Aloe has been used at least 2,000 years by the Chinese, who call aloe vera ~Lu Hui.~ The juice of aloes was formerly used in Eastern countries in embalming and to preserve dead bodies from putrefaction. Amaranth Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. Family: Amaranthaceae Common Names ~Red Cock's Comb~ ~Lady Bleeding~ ~Love-lies bleeding~ ~Prince's Feathers~ ~Flower Gentle~ ~Flower Velour~ ~ ~Pilewort~ ~Prince's Feather~ ~Spleen Amaranth~ ~Velvet flower ~ Amaranth comes from the Greek word meaning ~never-fading flower.~ The garden flower globe amaranth is not related to this plant.

Amaranth is believed to have been a staple in the diet of pre-Columbian Aztecs, who thought that it gave them supernatural powers and incorporated it into their religious ceremonies. After conquering Montezuma in 1519, the Spanish forbade its use and Amaranths have been introduced only recently to contemporary cuisine. Amaranth is grown for its leaves, which are used in salads. The seeds are tiny, golden, and round. They can be sprouted, popped, toasted, or cooked to make cereal. Amaranth flour has a strong malt like vegetable taste and is beige in color. The Greeks regarded the Amaranth flower as a symbol of immortality because it retains it's freshness for a long time after being picked. To demonstrate their belief, it was common practice to spread the flowers over graves. The ash of amaranth has a very large salt peter content. Some species of amaranth are known as ~Pigweed.~ None of the species are poisonous and many are used as pot herbs.

Amaryllis Family: Hippeastrum Common names: ~Dutch Amaryllis~ ~South African Amaryllis~ ~Oxblood Lily~ (red varieties) Two different bulbs are called ~Amaryllis.~ Related, both are from the tropics and sub-tropics; both have stalks of large, trumpet-shaped flowers. However, they are different and have differing cultural requirements. Amaryllis means ~horseman star. ~ It is a tender, flowering bulb, originally from the Andes Mountains of Chile and Peru. The plant was named after a shepherdess in Greek mythology. The word also means ~sparkling~ and refers to the attractive bloom. Amaryllis was discovered in 1828 by Eduard Frederich Poeppig, a young physician from Leipzig, on a plant hunting expedition in Chile. It is associated with the star sign Aries, being passionate, enthusiastic and adventurous. Amaryllis means splendid beauty or pride in the language of flowers. Anemone Common names: ~Windflower~ ~Smell Fox~ Anemone is originally derived from the Greek word ~�nemos~ meaning ~wind~ hence the name windflower.

It belongs to the buttercup family. According to other Greek myths, Anemone was the name of a nymph that Zephyr, the sweet Spring wind, and Borea, the god of the West Wind were in love with. Chloris, the goddess of flowers, took revenge on the nymph and turned her into a flower which withered by the time Zephyr arrived. Yet another legend says, that anemones came from Venus's tears when she was weeping for Adonis. The story goes that Aphrodite, being in love with Adonis, kept him longer by her side, than what was allowed by the Gods, thus triggering the vengeance of Persephone. While weeping for his death, Aphrodite swore he will live for ever and the beautiful flower Anemone, is born out of her tears. In Palestine, the Anemone was thought to have grown under the cross of Jesus. Superstitions about the anemone existed in Europe, and Egypt. Anemones were thought to carry diseases. The Egyptians believed that the Anemone as the emblem of sickness, because of the flush of colour upon the backs of the white sepals. The Chinese call it the ~Flower of Death~.

In some European countries it is looked on by the peasants as a flower of ill omen. The Romans used it as a charm against fever. In Europe it was a custom to hold your breath while running through a field of anemones. They believed that even the air around the anemone was poisonous. Anemones were used as charms against disease. They were often worn around the neck or arm. Englishmen once believed that the anemone possessed magical properties. They recommended everyone gather in the earliest anemone they saw, and keep it as a charm against pestilence. It was carefully wrapped in silk and carried as an amulet or charm about the person. Greek legends say that Anemos, the Wind, sends his namesakes the Anemones, in the earliest spring days as the heralds of his coming. Pliny affirmed that they only open when the wind blows, hence the name ~Windflower.~ The old herbalists called the ~Wood Anemone~ the ~Wood Crowfoot,~ because its leaves resemble in shape those of some species of Crowfoot.

Angelica Angelica archangelica Family: Umbelliferae Common Names: ~Angel Plant~ ~Holy Ghost Root~ ~Herb of the Angels~ ~Herb of the Holy Ghost~ ~Amara Aromatica~ ~American Angelica~ ~Archangel~ ~Archangelica~ ~Bellyache Root~ ~Dead Nettle~ ~European Wild Angelica~ ~Garden Angelica~ ~Goutweed~ ~High Angelica~ ~Holy Herb~ ~Masterwort~ ~Purple Angelica~ ~Purplestem Angelica~ ~Wild Angelica~ ~Wild Celery~ According to legend, Angelica was a gift to mankind from the Archangel Michael, as it is said to bloom on his feast day ~May 8 ~ and to have angelic healing virtues. It is associated with the spring-time festival of the Annunciation and the Archangel Gabriel, as well as the Archangel Raphael. All parts of the plant were believed efficacious against spells and enchantment. It was held in such high esteem that it was called ~The Root of the Holy Ghost~ in Germany, and was believed to eliminate the effects of intoxication and also to render witchcraft and the evil eye harmless.

In England, where it was also known as bellyache root, dried angelica roots were made into powder and mixed into wine to ~abate the rage of lust in young persons.~ This herb's angelic name comes from a legend in which an angel appeared to a monk during the 14th century plague and told him about the healthy properties of this plant. Angelica wasn't believed to cure the plague but protect against it; a piece of root was held in the mouth as an antiseptic. Used medicinally since the Middle Ages, angelica is said to have protected entire villages during the plague. The plant yields an essential oil used for perfume. It's leaves are used for herbal tea, to decorate food and for poaching fish. The leaves or stems are candied and used as a confection. Blanched stalks are edible and used for making jam. Seeds are used in candy and cooking. It strengthens the heart and stimulates the immune system. Chinese medicine uses at least ten varieties of angelica. Chinese and Tibetan medicine make use of talismans. Angelica leaves, whose fragrance is said to smell like that of an angel's, is what gives the plant its name.

It protects one against witchcraft when worn on the body, carried, or placed about the house. It was common practice to put a leaf in the crib or under the mattress or pillow. Traditionally, Angelica was planted at all four corners of a house to ward off disasters and pestilence; lightning, witches, spells, evil spirits and evil of all kinds. In old-world Latvia, peasants would march into town with armloads of this herb and suddenly burst into song in languages that no one, not even the singers, understood. Angelica was unknown to the ancients. Around 1665 the King, who was also an herbalist, made a potion, or a tea, using the angelica herb, nutmeg, treacle and other herbs, which the physicians of London called ~The King Majesty's Excellent Recipe for the plague.~ They used this recipe for a number of diseases. By the 17th century, Culpeper, the astrologer-physician, pronounced Angelica an ~Herb of the Sun in Leo~ to be gathered then, for most effective use. American Indians used angelica medicinally. It is a traditional ritual herb of the Candlemas and Beltane Sabbath.

Angelica is ruled by the Sun and Leo. Another source claims Angelica is ruled by Saturn and associated with the metal lead, the stones onyx and lodestone, and with the animals; mole and lapwing. Dream Pillow - good for stress, nightmares, insomnia; Make a pillow and in it put angelica along with your favorite dried flowers or herbs; It will give a pleasant, relaxing sleep. Angelica stands for magic and poetic inspiration. In the Language of Flowers it symbolizes Inspiration. Angels' Trumpet Hawaiian name: Nana-honua Common name: ~Angels' Trumpet~ ~Floripondio Tree~ ~Jimson Weed~ ~Thorn Apple~ ~Toloache~ ~Tolguacha~ ~Datura~ Datura is native to Brazil. There about 20 different species. The Hawaiian Name of this flower, Nana-honua, means ~earth gazing.~ Angel's Trumpet is an ornamental tree which bears long, white, or salmon, bell shaped flowers that resemble heavenly trumpets. The sap is highly poisonous and will cause eye injury. Datura has been used for a very long time.

Originally, it was used by the shamans, to help them gain entrance to ~other worlds of existance.~ People discovered its medicinal properties through shamans, or ~Medicine Men.~ This plant is poisonous but the natives in Brazil smoke the leaves for a strong narcotic affect said to relieve asthma. The leaves are sometimes smoked. Other parts are brewed in hot water. In the Andes small amounts of seed are pulverized and added to beverages. The Hawaiians smoked the leaves as a hallucinogenic. The seeds cause mental confusion and delirium followed by fitful sleep with colorful hallucinations. This species is more toxic than Datura inoxia. Excessive amounts may cause amnesia. An infusion is given orally or rectally in adolescent ritual among some western Amazon tribes. Family: Araceae (Arum family) Commn Names: ~Heart of Hawaii~ ~Painted Tongue~ ~Flamingo Flower~ Anthuriums have become one of the signature flowers of Hawaii. They were brought to Hawaii from Colombia via London in 1889 by an English missionary S.M. Damon.

In Greek, it means ~tail flower,~ ~anthus~ meaning ~flower,~ and ~oura~ meaning ~tail. ~ It is also known as the ~painted tongue.~ Anthurium is a native of Colombia, and belongs to the family Araceae which includes more than 100 genera and about 1500 species, mainly from the tropics. Anthuriums are known for their long vase life. Depending on the variety and season, it can retain its freshness for up to 45 days. Aster Family: Asteraceae Common Names: ~Starwort~ ~Michaelmas Daisy~ In Latin ~aster~ means ~star,~ the name also used by the Greeks for for its star-like blossoms, while ~wort~ means ~root~ which signified plants with healing properties. There are over 600 species of aster, the most popular being the Monte Casino. Considered sacred to Roman and Greek deities, asters are ancient wildflowers of the daisy family. According to one legend, the field bloomed with asters when Virgo scattered stardust on the earth.

The other claimed that the Goddess Asterea began to cry when she looked down upon the earth and saw no stars. The asters bloomed where her tears fell. Known as ~Eye of Christ~ in France and ~Starwort~ in England and Germany, asters were thought to carry magical powers. The early English name ~Starwort~ was later changed to ~Michaelmas Daisy~ as it blooms around St. Michaelmas Day in September. It was sacred to the gods and so wreaths of asters were placed on their altars. Aster leaves were burned to keep away evil spirits and drive away serpents in ancient Greece. The bite from a mad dog was cured by an ointment made from asters. Virgil wrote that the flavor of honey would be improved if asters were boiled in wine and placed near a beehive. One ancient myth arises from the Iron Age, when people learned to make weapons of iron, the god Jupiter, was angered by all the fighting wiith these iron weapons that he decided to destroy the entire race by a flood. The gods fled the earth and the last to go, the goddess Astraea, was so saddened that she asked to be turned into a star.

When the flood waters receded, all that was left was mud and slime. Astraea felt so sorry for them she wept, her tears falling as stardust which turned to lovely starflowers or asters. Another myth comes from Greek mythology. Every year Aegeus, king of Athens, would send seven young men and seven maidens to the king of Crete. There they would be sacrificed to the Minotaur, a creature with a bull's body and human head. One year Aegeus' son Theseus volunteered to be one of the youth, believing he could slay the Minotaur. When he sailed for Crete he told his father, who dearly loved his son, that when he returned he would fly white sails on the ship instead of the black ones that were raised when the ship left. Theseus did arrive at Crete, where he fell in love with the king�s daughter Ariadne. With her help, he entered the labyrinth and killed the Minotaur. However, on his return to Athens, Theseus forgot to hoist the white sails. Seeing the black sails his father, believing his son had been killed, then killed himself.

Purple asters sprang up from the ground where his blood flowed, the result of a spell put on him by sorceress Medea, who had been once been his wife. According to the Cherokee Indian legend, two warring tribes, fighting over a choice hunting ground, waged war over a hill, down a valley and into a village. All the villagers were killed except for two sisters who hid in the woods. Both wore doe skin dresses, one dyed lavender-blue with fringe, the other one bright yellow. The sisters sought out the Herb Woman who lived over the mountain in another valley. This woman gathered herbs by day and brewed magic potions by night, a gift given to her by the gods. As the sisters slept that night under the stars, the Herb Woman looked into the future and saw that these little girls would be hunted down by the enemy. So she sprinkled them with a magic brew and covered them with leaves. In the morning there were two flowers where the sisters had been. One was the lavender-blue aster, the fringe from the dress having been turned into the outer flower petals of the aster. The other flower was the yellow goldenrod.

Roman mythological legend holds that one of the dryads presiding over the forest, meadows and pastures, the nymph Belides, was responsible for the origin of this flower. While dancing on the turf at the edge of the forest with the other nymphs, Belides attracted the admiration of the deity who presided over the orchards whose name was Vertumnus. She transformed herself into the flower bellis, it's botanical name, to escape the pursuit of Vertumnus. The bellis flower is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ~daeges eage ~ ~ day's eye~ from the habit of this flower to close its petals at night and on dark rainy days. Ancient people believed that the odour of the leaves of the aster, when burnt, drove away serpents. Asters were laid on the graves of French soldiers to symbolize afterthought and the wish that things had turned out differently. A perfect filler flower for arrangements or bouquets, aster stands for Elegance and Daintiness. It is a talisman of Love Flower of the month of September and the herb of the goddess Venus. In the language of flowers asters are a symbol of Love, Faith, Wisdom, Valor Hope, Light, and Power.

Asters convey an afterthought or variety. In China, where they signify fidelity. Flower Emblem of France Wood anemone | Woodlands.co.uk Wood anemone Leaves and Stem The leaves of the wood anemone are simple but are so deeply divided that they have the appearance of a palmate leaf – the leaf is sometimes described as trifoliate. The leaves have a distinctive smell, often described as musky – which may account for one of the wood anemone’s alternative names “smell fox”. There is a whorl of leaves just below the flower, whilst others arise from ground level on long stalks. Flowers and Fruits The flowers of wood anemone are white, though they can also have a pinkish tinge to them. They are between 20 and 40 mm in diameter – but usually about an inch (25 mm), and are constructed from six or more sepals (no petals). [ Some escapes from gardens have larger flowers, with more petals ] There are many anthers which are a golden yellow colour (see image below). The fruit when it forms is made up of many achenes (an achene is a one seeded fruit).

Ecology and other notes The wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) is to be found in deciduous woodlands and hedgerows. It produces solitary flowers in Spring. It is a perennial, and can spread by means of its creeping rhizome (an underground stem that ‘throws up’ shoots). It can spread and carpet large areas due to its vegetative spread by means of its rhizomes. Height – about 1 ft / 30 cm. Like old man’s beard, it is a member of the buttercup family – the Ranunculaceae. It is sometimes called ‘windflower’ because of the way the flowers shake / move in the wind. The plant is poisonous; it contains protoanemonin, an acrid (and bitter) oil – formed from the glycoside, ranunculin. Protoanemonin can cause severe skin irritation and gastric disturbances if ingested . Anemone (National Gardening Association) Photo by kniphofia Anemones , also known as windflowers, are a diverse group, with various species blooming in spring and fall. Some have fibrous roots and are found in the perennials section of nurseries and garden centers.

Others grow from tubers that are sold and planted in the fall along with spring-flowering bulbs like tulips. About This Plant Spring blooming anemones are low growing plants that are good choices for woodland and rock gardens. While most of them grow from creeping rhizomes, Grecian windflower (Anemone blanda) and poppy anemone (A. coronaria) grow from tubers. Plant these early bloomers in the fall; Grecian windflowers are hardy in zones 4-7, while poppy anemones thrive in zones 6-9 and are also popular for forcing. Tall growing fall anemones add color to borders and woodland gardens from late summer to late fall in shades of pink and white. These Asian natives bear large, cup-shaped blossoms on graceful stems that sway above clumps of dark green, maple-like leaves. All anemones are poisonous if ingested. Special Features Wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) This species will often naturalize in the shade of deciduous trees, where its deep green leaves provide a backdrop to its pure white, single, star-shaped flowers in early spring. Pink and blue cultivars are also available.

Growing 6-8 inches tall, it prefers rich, moist but well-drained, acid soil; roots will rot if the soil is too soggy. Wood anemone goes dormant in early summer as the trees leaf out. Sometimes it's offered in the fall as a dormant rhizome. Hardy in zones 3-9. Snowdrop anemone (Anemone sylvestris) Another spring bloomer that naturalizes well, this species has fragrant, single, slightly nodding, 1-2 inch wide flowers on 12-18 inch plants. It prefers the same growing conditions as the wood anemone. Hardy in zones 4-9. Grapeleaf Anemone (Anemone tomentosa 'Robustissima') Growing about 3 feet tall, this anemone will spread but is not invasive. The hardiest of the fall bloomers, it will grow in zones 3-9. The flowers are silvery pink and come into bloom in early fall, carrying on for several weeks.

Hybrid or Japanese anemone (Amemone x hybrida) This Asian native bears large, single or double, cup-shaped blossoms whose satiny petals surround a contrasting green and gold central button. Commonly available cultivars include the elegant, single-flowered, white variety ' Honorine Jobert ', and semi-double, pink ' Queen Charlotte '. Its flowers are borne on 3-4 foot tall stems in mid fall. Hardy in zones 5-9. Chinese anemone (Anemone hupehensis) Similar to the hybrid anemones, but more compact, these are 2-3 feet tall in bloom. Popular cultivars include deep rose-pink, semi-double ' Prince Henry ' and ' September Charm ' with single, rose-pink flowers in late summer to early fall. Hardy in zones 4-9. Site Selection Spring blooming anemones do best in part shade. Fall bloomers thrive in full sun to part shade. All appreciate soil that is moist, but well-drained- never soggy and on the acid side. Planting Instructions Container grown plants can be set out throughout the growing season, but spring is preferred for fall bloomers.

Divide the spring bloomers in midsummer or early fall. Space wood anemones 10 inches apart, snowdrop anemones 12-24 inches apart and fall bloomers 18 inches apart. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot the plant is in. Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Carefully fill in around the root ball and firm the soil gently. Water thoroughly. Care Divide or move plants in the garden only in the spring. Fall anemones may be slow to establish, but once they are settled in they have a tendency to spread, as do the spring bloomers. Deadheading won't prolong bloom, but will make plants look neater. Other Plant Care Guides in Poppies

Question: What's another popular name for the wood anemone?
Answer: WINDFLOWER