Anemonoides apennina (syn. Anemone apennina), the Apennine anemone or blue anemone, is a rhizomatous perennial plant in the family Ranunculaceae.[2][3] It is native to southern central Europe, taking its name from the Apennine Mountains, but widely naturalised elsewhere in Europe, including the United Kingdom.[4] It can be confused with Anemonoides nemorosa which it resembles. It grows to 20 cm. In early spring it produces single blue flowers above ferny foliage, which dies down in summer. The flowers are about 3.5 cm across, with 10-15 narrow petals. The leaves are palmate with dark green 3-lobed, toothed leaflets.[5] The leaves are hairy underneath, which is how this plant may be distinguished from the similar Anemone blanda.[6] It is especially valued for its ability to colonise deciduous woodlands, but it is also found in open scrub, under park trees, and near former habitation.[7]

Anemonoides apennina
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Ranunculales
Family:	Ranunculaceae
Genus:	Anemonoides
Species:	A. apennina
Binomial name
Anemonoides apennina (L.) Holub
Synonyms[1]
Anemonanthea apennina Gray Anemone coerulescens Lange Anemone pygmaea H.Vilm. Anemone pyrenaica Pall. ex Pritz.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]

Eating A. apennina may cause mild stomach upset, and contact with the skin may cause irritation.[5]

References

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