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Ranunculaceae
Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris
Easter, resurrection, anticipation.
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Pulsatilla
- Native to
- Europe, western Asia
- Bloom season
- Early Spring
- Type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 15–30 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Sharply drained, alkaline
- Water
- Low; drought-tolerant
- Hardiness
- 4–8
- Lifespan
- Long-lived perennial
Did you know
- The name 'pasque' comes from the Old French word for Easter — pasque flowers traditionally bloom at Easter time across northern Europe.
- The entire plant is covered in fine silky hairs that act like a fur coat, protecting buds and stems from cold spring nights.
- After flowering, the plant produces feathery seed heads similar to prairie smoke, with each seed parachuting away on a long silvery plume.
- It's the state flower of South Dakota, where it's called 'May Day flower' and was a favorite of the Lakota people, who used it ceremonially.
- Pasque flower is the floral emblem of Oslo, Norway, where it's called 'Easter bell'.
Color meanings
Purple
Reverence for new life