Anemonastrum richardsonii, commonly known as yellow thimbleweed, is named after a Scottish naturalist, Sir John Richardson (1787–1865) who found it on Franklin's expedition to the Arctic.

[3] The flower sits on a stem that can grow about 20 centimetres (7.9 in) high, and is pubescent (covered with tiny hairs).

[3] Anemonastrum richardsonii has rhizomes (underground stems) which are thread-like with stalked leaves that are palmately lobed.

[3] Anemonastrum richardsonii prefers subarctic climates and can be found in willow thickets, snow patches, along streams, near peat and mosses, and in moist areas with low drainage.

[3][7] In British Columbia, A. richardsonii is abundant, secure and widespread;[8] this seems to reflect the status of the species throughout North America, as it is not listed in any vulnerable categories by COSEWIC in Canada or by the United States Department of Agriculture.