Anem'oné, a genus of Ranunculaceæ, characterised by the acridity prevalent in this order. The species are numerous, and generally beautiful. Most of them flower early in spring. They are natives of temperate and cold climates, chiefly of the northern hemisphere. North America has a good many native species. One, Anemone nemorosa, the Wood Anemone, or wind-flower, is a common native of all parts of Britain, and its white flowers, externally tinged with purple, are an ornament of many a woodland scene and mountain pasture in April and May; and it is also common in parts of North America.
Another species, Anemone pulsatilla, the Pasque Flower, adorns chalky pastures in some parts of England at the same season. Its flowers are purple and externally silky. The Garden Anemone is a favourite florist's flower; the varieties, both single and double, are very numerous, but are chiefly traceable to two species, Anemone coronaria and Anemone hortensis, though other forms are constantly being introduced, of which Anemone japonica may be especially mentioned; and whole works have been published on them and their cultivation, which has long been most extensively carried on in Holland. The genus Hepatica is frequently included in Anemone. Anemone triloba (Anemone hepatica), with three-lobed leaves, is common in Hungary. Varieties of different colours, and both single and double, are among the finest ornaments of our flower-borders in early spring. In cultivation, the soil around them should not be much disturbed.