Anemonastrum richardsonii: Difference between revisions
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''Anemone richardsonii'' has [[rhizomes]] (underground stems) which are thread-like with stalked leaves that are palmately lobed <ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. It also has stem leaves that are 3-parted and sharply toothed in a whorled arrangement below the flowers <ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. |
''Anemone richardsonii'' has [[rhizomes]] (underground stems) which are thread-like with stalked leaves that are palmately lobed <ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. It also has stem leaves that are 3-parted and sharply toothed in a whorled arrangement below the flowers <ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. |
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The fruit is generally small, 3-4 mm long and [[achene]] (dry)<ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. It is sub spherical (nearly round), lacks hairs, and is hooked at the tip<ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. The fruit of the yellow thimbleweed is dispersed by wind and has a style that aids in flight<ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. |
The fruit is generally small, 3-4 mm long and [[achene]] (dry) <ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. It is sub spherical (nearly round), lacks hairs, and is hooked at the tip <ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. The fruit of the yellow thimbleweed is dispersed by wind and has a style that aids in flight <ref name="(CYSIP 2009)" />. |
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==Habitat== |
==Habitat== |
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Revision as of 20:08, 2 December 2011
Anemone richardsonii(Yellow thimbleweed) is named after a Scottish naturalist, Sir John Richardson (1787-1865) who found it on Franklin’s expedition to the Arctic (CYSIP 2009). It is a perennial, deciduous plant that blooms in mid – early June (CYSIP 2009).
| Anemone richardsonii | |
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| The yellow flower of Anemone richardsonii,showing above ground stem and sessile leaves | |
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| Species: | A.richardsonii
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| Anemone richardsonii | |
Physical Description
Yellow thimbleweed is recognized by its small single yellow flowers. These flowers are considered perfect, which means they have both male and female reproductive organs [1]. The flower lacks petals but has yellow sepals that act as petals and it has a superior ovary [1]. The flower sits on a stem that can grow about 20 cm high, and covered with tiny hairs (pubescent) [1].
Anemone richardsonii has rhizomes (underground stems) which are thread-like with stalked leaves that are palmately lobed [1]. It also has stem leaves that are 3-parted and sharply toothed in a whorled arrangement below the flowers [1].
The fruit is generally small, 3-4 mm long and achene (dry) [1]. It is sub spherical (nearly round), lacks hairs, and is hooked at the tip [1]. The fruit of the yellow thimbleweed is dispersed by wind and has a style that aids in flight [1].
Habitat
Anemone richardsonii prefers subarctic climates and can be found in willow thickets, snow patches, along streams, near peat and mosses, and in moist areas with low drainage (Aiken 1999). It is also capable of growing under a wide range of soil pH (Aiken 1999).
Range
Yellow thimbleweed can be found throughout most of Canada, including the Northwest Territories, Yukon, northern Quebec, Labrador, the Nunavut Islands, Melville Island, and Victoria Island Canada, as well as in west Greenland and Alaska (U.S.A.)[2], .
Importance to Ecosystems
Anemone richardsonii’s flowers produce much pollen, which attracts some insect pollinators, but they do not produce much nectar; the plant is not generally eaten by vertebrates [1].
Importance to Humans
Anemone richardsonii contains antibiotics, mainly anemonin and protoanemonin, which actively fight against most common bacteria [1]. It can also be used to soothe abrasions, toothaches, rheumatism and as well as depression[1]. The roots have been boiled traditionally and used as an ineffective treatment for paralysis[1]. Also the smoke was from burned cotton of the ripe seeds was inhaled to relieve headaches[1].
Conservation
In British Columbia, Anemone richadsonii is abundant, secure and wide spread (EAPBC 2011); this seems to reflect the status of the species throughout North America (USDA 2011).
References
- EAPBC. 2011. E-Flora BC Vascular Plant Atlas page. [online]. Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia. Available from http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/eflora [accessed 22 October 2011]
- ITIS. 2011. ITIS Standard Report Page: Anemone Richardsonii. [online]. Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Available from http://www.itis.gov[accessed 18 October, 2011]
- USDA. 2011. Plants Profile: Anemone richardsonii Hook. yellow thimbleweed [online]. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Available from: http://plants.usda.gov [accessed 02 December, 2011].