Pacific Windflower
Anemone multifida
Pacific Windflower (Anemone multifida) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Native rocky-soil perennial; pale flowers with prominent yellow center; fluffy seedheads.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: "Anemone multifida" by mmmavocado is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 2: Walter Siegmund (talk)
- Photo 3: "Anemone multifida" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 4: "Cut-leaved anemone (Anemone multifida)" by YellowstoneNPS is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/.
- Photo 5: JW Stockert, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
- Photo 6: "Anemone multifida (3288948549)" by Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- cream, pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Pacific Windflower good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Pacific Windflower is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Pacific Windflower get?
- It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Pacific Windflower?
- Space Pacific Windflower about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Pacific Windflower hardy on the Front Range?
- Pacific Windflower is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Pacific Windflower need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Pacific Windflower native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Pacific Windflower deer-resistant?
- Pacific Windflower is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Pacific Windflower a good firewise plant near the house?
- Pacific Windflower is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Pacific Windflower bloom?
- Pacific Windflower blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
