A Sign of Spring:The Anemone

Book of Shadows - Gardening

Written by Madame Aradia

Saturday, 07 March 2009 18:25

Late February or early March, if you were to pay me a visit, you will find me crawling around the dead leaves and faded mulch in the flower beds in desperate search for something green...to find that first little sign of spring. Along with snowdrops and crocuses, you may be lucky enough to find the anemone peaking its little purple (well, red is the most common color, but it comes in a wide variety) head out. The anemone, also known as the pasque flower, meadow anemone, or wind flower, is a member of the buttercup family and closely resembles the poppy. You can find anemone growing pretty much anywhere...the forest, open fields, along shady rocky shores. Some say the anemone received the name “wind flower” because the flowers won’t bloom unless the wind blows. The anemone (particularly the red) is both a protect and healing herb, so it is beneficial to grow in your garden. Carry the fresh flowers to protect yourself from illness. Medicinally, the anemone is use to relieve nervous headaches and asthma symptoms (as it contains anti-spasmodic properties). As an ointment, the flowers can be used to reduce inflammation of the eyes. In years past, a bath of the anemone was also used to cure leprosy.