Quick answer: Candle anemone (thimbleweed) (Anemone cylindrica) is native to 12 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Jason Hollinger, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Rocky |
| Bloom | May-Jun |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Supports conservation biological control, benefits pollinators |
All plant parts poisonous when fresh; fresh sap causes inflammation/blistering on contact; GI distress if ingested in large quantities
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Candle anemone (thimbleweed)
Where is Candle anemone (thimbleweed) native?
Candle anemone (thimbleweed) (Anemone cylindrica) is native to 12 states across the Northeast and Midwest. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Candle anemone (thimbleweed) bloom?
Candle anemone (thimbleweed) blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Candle anemone (thimbleweed) need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Dry. Soil: Rocky. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Candle anemone (thimbleweed) good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Supports conservation biological control, benefits pollinators.
Is Candle anemone (thimbleweed) deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Candle anemone (thimbleweed) is drought-tolerant.
Is Candle anemone (thimbleweed) toxic?
All plant parts poisonous when fresh; fresh sap causes inflammation/blistering on contact; GI distress if ingested in large quantities.
Where can I buy Candle anemone (thimbleweed)?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Anemone cylindrica by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Candle anemone (thimbleweed).
- Smooth rose Rosa blanda
- Richardson's alumroot Heuchera richardsonii
- Prairie goldenrod Solidago nemoralis
- Common snowberry Symphoricarpos albus
- Prairie dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis
- Leadplant Amorpha canescens
Also listed under
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