Family: Ranunculaceae
Eriocapitella hupehensis (synonym Anemone hupehensis), commonly known as Japanese anemone or Chinese anemone, is a perennial flowering plant native to China. It is widely cultivated for its elegant, showy blooms that appear in shades of pink, purple, or white, typically during late summer and fall. With tall, wiry stems and a graceful growth habit, this plant adds seasonal interest to gardens and is often used in ornamental landscaping. Its ability to spread by underground rhizomes allows it to form large colonies over time.
While valued as a garden ornamental, its rhizomatous growth habit suggests the potential for spread beyond cultivation if not managed carefully. Planting this species in contained areas and monitoring for escape can help ensure it remains a safe addition to local landscapes without threatening native ecosystems.
High Risk Traits:
- Environmental weed that disrupts native ecosystems.
- Toxic to humans and animals if ingested or through skin contact.
- Unpalatable to grazing animals.
- Shade tolerant, enabling invasion of forest understories.
- Spreads via vegetative fragmentation and viable seeds.
- Wind-dispersed seeds facilitate spread.
- Intentionally spread by humans through horticultural trade.
- Broad climate suitability beyond its native range.
- Established naturalized populations globally.
Low Risk Traits:
- No spines, thorns, or burrs.
- Not parasitic.
- Does not create a fire hazard.
- Lacks adaptations for water, bird, or external animal dispersal.
- Not dispersed as a produce contaminant.
