Pulsatilla patens aka Eastern Pasqueflower

Pulsatilla patens is a small perennial in the buttercup family. Its common names include eastern pasqueflower and American pasqueflower. Kew places its native range from northern and central Europe eastward. That range reaches Siberia and northern China. Plants For A Future also lists parts of North America. It grows in sparse pine woods and on dry, sunny slopes. It also occurs on grassy slopes and wooded mountain slopes. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This upright plant reaches about 0.7–1 foot (0.2–0.3 metres) tall. Its garden spread is about 0.5 feet (0.15 metres). The flower stems stand much shorter when blooms first open. At that stage, they reach about 0.3–0.4 feet (0.10–0.13 metres). Soft hairs cover the stems and deeply cut basal leaves. The leaves look fernlike, with a silvery coat of hairs. Stems lengthen as the leaves grow after flowering.

Flowers rise on bare, hairy stems early in spring. They may emerge while snow still lies on the ground. Each stem carries a single, upright, open bell-shaped flower. Most blooms are blue-violet, though some are yellow or white. Leaves start to form as the flowers open. Missouri Botanical Garden records March to April flowering in St. Louis. Chicago Botanic Garden lists a broader January to April window. Plumed seedheads follow the flowers and extend their garden interest. The plant is also the state flower of South Dakota.

Grow it in full sun or light shade. It needs gritty soil that drains well. Dry to moderately moist soil suits it, and it tolerates drought. It also copes with dry soil and shallow, rocky ground. Cool climates give the best results. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 3–7. Use it in rock gardens, prairie plantings, or border fronts. The flowers provide an early display close to the ground. Missouri Botanical Garden reports low maintenance and no serious pest or disease problems. Growing it from seed can be difficult. Fresh seed is best sown when ripe in early summer.

Plants For A Future lists no edible uses for this species. It records medicinal uses, but also reports harmful effects. Preparations from the whole plant can cause vomiting and kidney irritation. High doses can depress the heart and central nervous system. These records do not establish that home use is safe. The evidence supplied does not establish its safety for pets.