pulsatilla

Pulsatilla is a genus of flowering plants in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, commonly known as pasque flowers. The genus comprises roughly 30 to 40 species of herbaceous perennials native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. They are cultivated for their early spring blossoms and distinctive seed heads, which often bear long, feathery tails.

Pulsatilla plants typically form a basal rosette of finely divided, often woolly leaves. In early spring, a slender flowering stem rises to bear solitary flowers with many petaloid sepals. The blossoms are frequently purple or pink, but white, blue, and yellow forms occur. The flowers are often nodding and become more showy as the sepals spread, revealing a cluster of central discs and numerous stamens. After flowering, seed heads form, and the calyces expand into a fluffy, wind-dispersed display that persists into summer.

In taxonomy, Pulsatilla is sometimes treated as a separate genus. In other classifications it is included in Anemone as Anemone pulsatilla or as a subgenus Pulsatilla within Anemone. The species vary in size and habitat, but many prefer well-drained soils in sunny or lightly shaded sites.

Habitat: Native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and parts of North America, they are often found in meadows, grasslands, open woods, and alpine slopes, tolerating calcareous soils.

Cultivation: Pulsatilla is grown as an ornamental perennial in gardens, prized for early color and unique seed heads. They require a sunny to partly shaded site and well-drained soil; they prefer cool winters and may resent heavy, wet conditions. Propagation is by seed or division.

Toxicity: All parts contain toxins such as protoanemonin and ranunculin when fresh, and contact with sap can irritate skin. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress; most species are avoided by livestock.