Description
Pasqueflowers are part of the genus Pulsatilla and are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Their name comes from the Hebrew word pasakh, meaning Passover. That's because pasqueflowers tend to flower in early spring, right around the time of Easter and Passover. Some other common names include wind flower, prairie crocus, Easter flower, and meadow anemone.
Pulsatilla was first named in 1754 by English botanist Philip Miller, with the first recognized species being Pulsatilla vulgaris, the European pasqueflower. Today, it is sometimes considered a subgenus of Anemone due to the flowers' similar appearance and structure. The pasqueflower is the provincial flower of Manitoba, Canada, and also the state flower of South Dakota.
Most pasqueflower species are found in cooler climates and even grow in alpine regions, including mountain meadows. In fact, it is known to grow at altitudes up to 12,500 feet. It grows in prairies, on open hillsides, woodlands, and even rocky areas. Pasqueflowers are quite hardy and perennial – they come back every year in their native environments. Even after their flowering period is over, the fluffy seed heads that come after are just as beautiful as the earlier blossoms.
5 Books of 100 First-Class Forever© USPS postage stamps.*The slash over "Forever" in the image is to protect it from being used to produce counterfeit postage. Actual stamps will not have this.