A rare wild flowering perennial, the Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) has unmistakable violet-purple bell shaped flowers, with golden yellow anthers, that may be seen April-May.
The delicate low growing feathery leaves appear around the same time as the flower buds, growing around the base of the silky haired flower stems.
After the Pasque flowers blooms have faded, a fluffy seed head begins to form. The flower stem continues to grow upward from inside the faded bloom until the seeds ripen and dry. They are then distributed by the wind.
close-up of bright coloured purple Pasque flower
Pasque flower Information
- Name: Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
- Family: Ranunculaceae – (Buttercup family)
- Type: Perennial
- soil: well drained limestone or chalk
- Flowering: April – May
- Height: 15-30 cm
- Photographed: 14th April 2011 : Right- 6th May
- Location: Barnack Hills and Holes Nature Reserve
Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) unmistakable bright purple and yellow flowers
Pasque Flower Habitat
Only found naturally growing wild on a small number of sites throughout the UK, the Pasqueflower requires quite a specific habitat, mainly well drained limestone or chalk (calcareous) grassland, with help from sheep grazing during the winter months.
This type of calcareous grassland habitat has declined over the years due to rises in agriculture, leaving just a small number sites across the UK, most are located in the South and South East of England.
Pasque flower seed heads