Photo and text by Don Paulson
Alpine Anemone (Anemone drummondii)
On the highest of rocky slopes, the alpine anemone (Anemone drummondii) braves icy winds and summer drought. Densely hairy stems and leaves help the plant cope with such severe growing conditions. This member of the Buttercup family ( Ranunculaceae) was named after the Scottish botanist James Francis Drummond (1851-1921). The Anemone genus derives its name from the Greek word anemos (wind) giving rise to the common name of "windflower". Anemone flowers do not have petals, but the sepals are often large and showy, as is the case with the alpine anemone, and can be mistaken for petals.
Look for these hardy mountaineers in July and August growing on stony ledges along the Elk Mountain, Lillian Ridge trails, or other alpine areas of the Olympics.