Japanese windflower Eriocapitella hupehensis

Japanese thimbleweed is a hardy, flowering, herbaceous perennial native to the Himalayas, China and Taiwan. It is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). This clumping plant produces attractive pink flowers on 2 foot long stems from summer to first frost. Plants of this type are sometimes called windflowers because the upright flower stems will often sway in the breeze.

The specific epithet is Latin for "native of Hubei," which is a province in central China, the native ground for this plant. Cultivated plants in the Eriocapitella genus are commonly known as fall-blooming anemones and this plant is often known by its scientific synonym, Anemone hupehensis. This anemone was cultivated in Japan for so many years that it came to be considered a Japanese native, hence the common name. To add to the confusion, the common name, Chinese anemone, is sometimes used for this plant in reference to its true native habitat.

Japanese thimbleweed does best in fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. While it prefers part shade, the stems can tend to flop in too much shade and the plant may need support from wind. Provide mulch and avoid wet soils, especially if growing the plant in a cold winter climate.

Japanese thimbleweed can be slow to establish, but over time, it will naturalize in the landscape by fibrous suckering roots to form colonies. The plant may cause skin irritation; wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Cut back old stems after flowering.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Foliage can burn in hot, dry conditions. No serious insect or disease problems; however, nematodes may feed within the leaves. Leaf spot, downy mildew, powdery mildew and rust may appear. Watch for caterpillars, flea beetles, weevils and slugs.