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Anemone, Anemone coronaria
Photo: Maurice Flesier / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Spring

Anemone

Anemone coronaria

Family: Ranunculaceae · Also called Windflower, Poppy Anemone, Crown Anemone, Anemone coronaria var. alba, Anemone coccinea, Anemone ventreana

Green & Freshgreenearthy
SeasonSpring
OriginMediterranean
IntensityVery Faint
LifespanPerennial
About This Flower

Green & Fresh · Spring bloomer

The anemone is a flower of stark, graphic beauty, bold, saturated petals surrounding a dramatic dark center. The contrast is almost Pop Art in its intensity. Paper-thin petals in electric blue, vibrant red, pure white, or deep purple catch the slightest breeze, giving the flower its name: windflower. Despite their delicate appearance, anemones are surprisingly resilient.

Symbolism & Meaning

anticipation, protection, forsaken love

In the Victorian language of flowers, anemone means “Protection against evil and anticipation”. In Greek mythology, anemones sprang from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned Adonis, his blood coloring the flowers red. The name comes from 'anemos' (wind), earning it the name 'windflower.' In parts of the Mediterranean, anemones carpet the fields in early spring, creating spectacular natural displays.

Did You Know?

The poppy anemone (A. coronaria) is believed to be the 'lily of the field' referenced in the Bible's Sermon on the Mount. In Israel, these anemones carpet entire hillsides in red each spring, creating one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the world.

Habitat & Environment

Rocky hillsides, olive groves, and meadows across the Mediterranean basin

Anemone is native to Mediterranean. It naturally grows in rocky hillsides, olive groves, and meadows across the mediterranean basin.

Scent Profile

Intensity
greenearthyfaint

A very subtle, green-earthy presence, anemones are about drama of color and form rather than fragrance.

Quick Reference

  • Scientific NameAnemone coronaria
  • FamilyRanunculaceae
  • Native ToMediterranean
  • Bloom SeasonSpring
  • LifespanPerennial

Cultural Significance

In Greek mythology, anemones sprang from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned Adonis, his blood coloring the flowers red. The name comes from 'anemos' (wind), earning it the name 'windflower.' In parts of the Mediterranean, anemones carpet the fields in early spring, creating spectacular natural displays.

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