The morphology and development of Anemone patens L. has been studied. An examination of the ontogeny of buds revealed a number of interesting developmental phenomena, and brought to attention the need to study more native prairie plants in their natural habitat. Two types of buds are produced annually: one replaces the terminal bud, which is transformed to a flowering apex, and one becomes dormant. During its first season of growth the former bud produces foliage leaf primordia, which expand the following season, and several bud-scale primordia. During the second season it produces additional bud scales before itself transforming to a floral apex; the resulting flower bud remains enclosed by the bud scales until the spring of the third season. The second type of bud produced annually is generally smaller, and after producing protective bud scales enters what may be a prolonged dormancy. The initiation of these two types of bud follows a regular pattern; the bud which replaces the main apex is normally found in the axil of the uppermost bud scale enclosing the developing flower bud, while the bud which will become dormant is formed in the axil of the uppermost expanding foliage leaf. The growth pattern of A. patens appears to be well suited to the plant's habitat. The reserve of viable dormant buds is augmented annually, and enables the plant to regenerate new branches if terminal apices are damaged. The largest, most highly branched specimens are frequently found in locations that are grazed or burned, and such periodic disturbances may in fact help the plant to thrive.