The generic name Anemonopsis refers to it being Anemone-like (-opsis), and its specific epithet macrophylla means "large-leaved".

When in full bloom, the flowers resemble small lotuses, giving rise to its Japanese name of renge-shōma (蓮華升麻, lit.

Native to Japan's colder temperate areas (southern Tōhoku to Kinki), Anemonopsis is frost-hardy at least to zone 4.

It is a true woodland plant and cannot tolerate full sun without the leaves scorching, except perhaps in very cool, damp climates.

Like many other herbaceous perennials from Japan, Anemonopsis demands summer moisture, but resents excessively wet conditions in winter.