Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla pratensis

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Pulsatilla pratensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Open fields.

C. and E. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

Considered by herbalists to be of highly valuable modern curative use as a herbal simple, the whole plant is alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and nervine. The plant is harvested soon after flowering and should be carefully preserved by drying. It should not be stored for longer than 12 months before being used. Use with caution, see notes above on toxicity. The whole plant is used externally to treat ulcers and inflammations of the eyes. A homeopathic remedy is made from the whole fresh plant, gathered when in flower. It has a wide range of applications and is especially useful in the treatment of babies and children.

Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

Plants can be grown to form a ground cover, they are best spaced about 30cm apart each way.

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained humus rich gritty soil in a sunny position. Tolerates alkaline soils. Prefers lime. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. 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. Some care is needed since the plant resents root disturbance.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The plant is slightly toxic, the toxins are dissipated by heat or by drying the plant.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pulsatilla nigricans. Stork.