Anemone, anemone, wherefore art thou?
For those of us eager to get a jump on documenting spring wildflowers, the anemones are beginning to bloom as early as December, although peak bloom is in March. There are five species in TX, and several aren't well documented. Anemone berlandieri is the most common in all but far western Texas. I'm hoping we can fill in the gaps for the less commonly observed species whose geographic range is not as well documented.
👉 Here's an identification guide showing features that need to be clearly visible in pictures to make a positive ID.
Here's a map showing iNat observations of all 5 species of Anemone occurring in Texas (In the overlay panel, toggle off A. berlandieri as it obscures some of the others)
Anemone caroliniana can occur together with A. berlandieri, sometimes growing side-by-side. But A. caroliniana is far less common, and seems to prefer sandy soils.
- Here's a map showing it's general distribution
- DFW Carolina anemeone project
- Side-by-side comparison
Anemone okennonii was described as a new species in 1994. It is also known as Anemone tuberosa var. texana as it's status as a species (vs. variety) has been questioned. It occurs from west Texas and southeastern New Mexico to the Edwards Plateau of Texas but its geographic extent is lesser known than the other species.
Anemone edwardsiana has a distribution limited to the limestone outcrops of the Balcones Escarpment. It appears to prefer canyons where it is relatively more moist, but has been found in drier areas also.
In Texas, Anemone tuberosa is found only in the Franklin Mountains and Hueco Tanks State Park. It occurs in southern New Mexico westward.
There is also what I think is an undescribed species on the Rolling Plains of Texas, extending northward into western Oklahoma and southwestern Kansas. It's most unique characteristic is fuzzyness on all parts of the plant.