Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)

Also known as: Thimble-Weed

The Blue Wood Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) is a wildflower indigenous to the central and eastern United States. Renowned for its late summer floral displays, it flourishes in shaded areas where many other wildflowers might falter. This plant is particularly hardy, as it is not commonly affected by deer, insects, or diseases.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Tall Thimbleweed

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 80 cm

Spread

30 cm to 45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Green

Images of Tall Thimbleweed

Quickly Identify Tall Thimbleweed

Tall perennial, 1-4 feet (30-120 cm), with divided leaves in whorls, toothed lobes.

White to greenish-white flowers, cup-shaped with yellow stamen center, blooming mid to late summer.

Elongated achene fruit, cottony with long white hairs for wind dispersal, resembling a thimble.

Palmately compound leaves in basal clusters and whorls, serrated margins, yellowish tint in sun.

Stout, hairy-textured green stem, minimal branching, about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) thick.

Scientific Classification of Tall Thimbleweed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Buttercup

Genus

Windflowers

Species

Tall Thimbleweed

Planting and Growing of Tall Thimbleweed

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Tall Thimbleweed?

For Anemone virginiana, watering should follow the principle of keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aim to water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot or garden bed.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Tall Thimbleweed? ›

What should I do if my Tall Thimbleweed is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Tall Thimbleweed? ›

How to save an overwatered Tall Thimbleweed? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Tall Thimbleweed?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 3 to 6 hours

Ideal light for Anemone virginiana is partial sun to full shade. This range of light prevents stress and promotes healthy foliage and blooming, ensuring the plant utilizes its energy efficiently in photosynthesis and growth.

Best Time for Sun Exposure ›

Strategic Plant Placement ›

Shaded Location Advantages ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Tall Thimbleweed?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Anemone virginiana thrives best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, which promotes optimal growth and blooming. This range mimics its natural habitat conditions, ensuring the plant remains healthy and productive.

What Soil is Best for Tall Thimbleweed?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Anemone virginiana requires soil that can retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Loamy soil, with its perfect balance of sand, silt, and clay, provides the necessary moisture retention, ensuring that the plant's roots have consistent access to water, which aids in healthy growth and vibrant flowering. This plant prefers well-drained soils to prevent root rot. Sandy loam, with its larger particles and good drainage capacity, keeps excess water from accumulating around the roots, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and supporting robust plant health. Although not overly demanding, Anemone virginiana thrives in nutrient-rich soils. Loam soil is notably fertile, providing essential nutrients that promote strong foliage growth and improve the plant's overall resilience to pests and environmental stresses.

How to Fertilize Tall Thimbleweed?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Anemone virginiana, apply a balanced fertilizer at a quarter strength in liquid form. When using slow-release granular fertilizers, adhere strictly to the package instructions, usually a teaspoon per plant.

How to Prune Tall Thimbleweed?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin with sterilized, sharp pruning shears. Identify any dead or damaged stems and remove them, cutting back to a healthy part of the plant. Trim back spent blooms to encourage new flowering. Additionally, remove any crowded or crossing stems to maintain an open structure and enhance sunlight penetration. For spring pruning, wait until after the last frost to avoid damaging new growth. During the summer, focus on deadheading to prolong blooming. Please ensure light pruning to maintain the shape without over-stressing the plant. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Tall Thimbleweed plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Collect mature seeds from late-season flower heads. Sow them in seed trays filled with a mix of potting soil and sand, ensuring they have light exposure for better germination.

Prepare well-draining soil by mixing compost and garden soil. This enhances nutrient availability and supports root establishment for divisions or germinating seeds.

Carefully divide the plant clump into smaller sections using a sterilized knife. Ensure each division has ample roots for successful replanting and growth.

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How to Repot Tall Thimbleweed plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

The ideal time to repot Anemone virginiana is during its dormant season, either in early spring before new growth starts or in autumn after the blooming period has ended. Key signals that it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes or slowed growth and reduced flowering despite good care.

Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, ensuring it has ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A pot that's one to two inches wider in diameter than the previous one is ideal. This prevents root rot and allows room for growth, which supports healthy foliage and vibrant blooms.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix that retains necessary moisture while allowing excess water to escape. A soil mix with ample organic matter and good aeration helps in preventing root rot and keeping the roots healthy, which is crucial for the plant's overall vitality and blooming capabilities.

Toxicity of Tall Thimbleweed

Is Tall Thimbleweed toxic to humans?

Tall Thimbleweed is a toxic plant characterized by its minor toxicity levels. When consumed in substantial amounts, it can lead to low to moderate health issues. Additionally, skin dermatitis can occur upon exposure to the plant’s sap. All components of this plant are recognized as poisonous due to the presence of protoanemonin – a harmful compound found in all members of the buttercup family (*Ranunculaceae*). Ingestion of tall Thimbleweed can result in a burning sensation in the mouth, accompanied by gastrointestinal disturbances like vomiting, diarrhea, and possible stomach cramps. When the plant contacts the skin, it may trigger inflammation, blisters, redness, and a burning sensation.

Is Tall Thimbleweed toxic to cat?

Tall Thimbleweed is identified as a toxic plant species for cats. Felines may unintentionally consume various parts of this plant, including the leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, seeds, stems, or bark, which can result in poisoning. Upon ingesting tall Thimbleweed, a cat might exhibit symptoms that indicate physical distress or illness, such as gastrointestinal issues, lethargy, or excessive salivation. It is crucial for cat owners to be aware of these warning signs and respond quickly. If a cat is suspected of having ingested tall Thimbleweed, it is vital to seek immediate veterinary assistance, as timely treatment is essential for their health and recovery.

Is Tall Thimbleweed toxic to dog?

The Tall Thimbleweed is a highly toxic plant for dogs, presenting a considerable danger when ingested. Dogs might inadvertently consume various parts of the Tall Thimbleweed, which encompass its leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, seeds, stems, and bark. Upon ingesting any segment of the Tall Thimbleweed, dogs may display symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or even more serious reactions depending on the quantity ingested. It is essential for dog owners to remain alert and prevent their pets from accessing regions inhabited by Tall Thimbleweed. If a dog is suspected of being poisoned by Tall Thimbleweed, it is critical to obtain immediate veterinary assistance to ensure the best possible outcome for the affected animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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