Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 4279edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOreviewed 13 Oct 2026methodology → read

Cao Yu Mei

Anemone rivularis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Anemone rivularis (Cao Yu Mei) — botanical photograph
Pl. 4279 — Anemone rivularis
Anemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularisAnemone rivularis
I

Overview

Cao Yu Mei, scientifically known as Anemone rivularis, is a perennial plant native to regions including Assam, China North-Central and South-Central, East and West Himalaya, India, Inner Mongolia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Qinghai, Sumatera, Tibet, and Vietnam. This adaptable plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light or partial shade, making it suitable for various environments within its native range. Known for both its ornamental value and edibility, Cao Yu Mei is often cultivated for its attractive flowers while also being used as a food source. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 0.6 meters in height, adding a touch of color and texture to gardens or natural landscapes. The seeds of Cao Yu Mei are edible and can be consumed raw or roasted, providing a light, nutty flavor when eaten directly from the plant or incorporated into various dishes. This plant is hardy in zones 6-9 and is not drought-resistant, requiring consistent moisture for optimal growth. While primarily valued for its ornamental and culinary uses, Cao Yu Mei is also native to countries such as Sri Lanka, where it has been introduced. Its presence in diverse regions highlights the adaptability of this plant, making it a versatile addition to gardens or natural settings.

Quick answers

What is Cao Yu Mei?

Cao Yu Mei, scientifically known as Anemone rivularis, is a perennial plant native to regions including Assam, China North-Central and South-Central, East and West Himalaya, India, Inner Mongolia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Qinghai, Sumatera, Tibet, and Vietnam.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Cao Yu Mei, or Anemone rivularis, thrives in partial sun to full shade and requires moist soil that is light (sandy) or medium. This perennial is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows up to 0.6 meters tall. For propagation, seeds can be used. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture, especially during dry periods, as it prefers a consistently damp environment.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Cao Yu Mei for the first time

8steps

Start with Cao Yu Mei by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or small plants, a garden fork, a trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and cool.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with partial sun to full shade. Ensure the soil is light, well-draining, and slightly acidic.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 8-10 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants carefully.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide consistent moisture, especially in dry periods. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead foliage to maintain the plant's health and appearance. Avoid harvesting as it may affect the plant’s growth.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune dead leaves.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The seeds of Cao Yu Mei (Anemone rivularis) are edible and can be consumed raw or roasted. They provide a light, nutty flavor when eaten directly from the plant or incorporated into various dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

14 native · 1 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 14 native· 1 introduced
Asia7 regions
native (6)ChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalVietnam
introduced (1)Sri Lanka
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Sumatera, West Himalaya
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Anemone rivularis (Cao Yu Mei) — botanical photograph
Cao Yu Mei (Anemone rivularis)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4279d356-e572-4df0-8a7d-12ea1ec96851
Decision aid
Choosing between Cao Yu Mei and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes