XPulsatilla patens - PasqueflowerX
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Pasqueflower -or- Wild Tulip -or- Windflower -or- Prairie Crocus (Pulsatilla patens), family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
The species is also know as Pulsatilla ludoviciana (used by Weber), and Anemone patens. We originally published as ludoviciana. The most common latin used is patens. USDA shows 3 subspecies of patens: multifida, hirsutissima, and patens. Based on commonality our specimens are probably multifida. These lovely plants produce blooms quite early in the season, often in time for Easter. In fact author Janis Lindsey Huggins points out in her book Wild at Heart (see our review here) that the name comes from the French word for Easter. According to Huggins the plant is an 'effective sedative and restorative for the nervous system.' See more excellent photographs of Pasqueflowers at Southwest Colorado Wildflowers online, along with interesting information. The genus Pulsatilla hosts approximately 30 species. One of the species is the state flower of South Dakota. Manitoba Canada claims the Pasqueflower as it's provincial flower. The genus Pulsatilla is sometimes classed as a subgenus to Anemone.
USES:
Per WIKIPEDIA is the fact that we have seen mentioned in only one book; 'Pasque flower is highly toxic, and produces cardiogenic toxins and oxytoxins which slow the heart in humans, and has been used as a medicine by Native Americans for centuries. Blackfeet Indians used Pasque Flower to induce abortions and childbirth.' End qote. There is on record a lengthly list of medical uses of the plants, which were listed in the United States pharmacopoeia from 1882 to 1905. Details of American Indian uses of plants from this genus can be found on the Native American Ethnobotany website. Enter PULSATILLA in the search box and press your enter key. Amoung the results: Blackfoot - Ripe seed head "cotton" burned on hot coals and the smoke inhaled for headaches.
Flower -
Plant location:
Various sightings: Hwy 40 between Walden and Grandby Colorado - July 8, 2008; Hwy 72 and Plainview Road near Golden Colorado - April 19, 2010 - elevation 6486' - (plant view). This is a montane to subalpine dweller. These pretty flowers were scattered on the forest floor under a grove of pine trees, mostly in the shade.Plant -
Bloom period: The bloom time for these delicate looking flowers is fairly long - can be from March through August depending on the location.Foliage -
Hwy 40, between Walden and Granby Colorado - June 9, 2008
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Hwy 40, between Walden and Granby Colorado - June 9, 2008
The beautiful gold anthers and filaments that form the stamens of the flowers are an appealing eye-catcher all by themselves. The soft white 'fingers' in the center are stigma. -
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Hwy 72 and Plainview Road near Golden Colorado - April 19, 2010
Being pollinated. -
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