Penny Perspectives - Anemone Lyallii

Day 207: When visitors to Mount Rainier National Park hear the word "anemone," the most likely image to spring to mind will be that of the "mop-heads" so common in sub-alpine meadows. Less frequently, people may recall floppy white flowers with yellow centers and lacy leaves. Those icons of the high country are Western Pasqueflower (Anemone occidentalis). However, they are not the only anemones to be found in the Park. Anemone lyallii (Western Wood Anemone) is much less common and much more elusive. Its colour is variable, ranging from white to pink or pale lavender. It can be distinguished from its close cousin Anemone oregana by the number of stamens and its somewhat smaller size. Shown here in a Penny Perspective, Anemone lyallii is truly a tiny treasure!