Pasque Flower, Eastern pasqueflower, Cutleaf anemone
Pulsatilla patens

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Pulsatilla patens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from March to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Sparse pine forests and dry sunny slopes. Grassy slopes, mountain slopes under forests at around 1100 metres in northern China.

N. Europe to Siberia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

Appetizer, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant. Use of the plant lessens sexual excitement. It does not diminish sexual power but rather strengthens it by lessening morbid excitement. A drug derived from the chopped whole plant induces vomiting and irritation of the kidneys. In high doses it acts as a depressant on the central nervous system and the heart. A decoction of the plant has been used to speed delivery of a child. A poultice of the fresh crushed leaves has been applied in the treatment of rheumatism and neuralgia. A volatile oil contained in the plant is used as an irritant.

Appetizer: Improves the appetite

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Irritant: Causes irritation or abnormal sensitivity in living tissue.

Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained humus-rich gritty soil and a sunny position. Lime tolerant. A very ornamental plant. Large plants transplant badly. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early summer in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in about 2 - 3 weeks. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. Germination takes about 1 - 6 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the spring. Root cuttings, 4cm long taken in early winter, potted up in a mixture of peat and sand. They can also be taken in July/August, planted vertically in pots in a greenhouse or frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of the genus is slightly toxic, the toxins being dissipated by heat or by drying the plant.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Anemone patens. L.