Pasque Flower: The Early-Blooming Native That Beats Spring to the Punch

Gardeners often lament having few flowers early in the growing season. Pasque flower (Pulsatilla patens) solves that—a clumping, slowly expanding native that's ahead of the game every April.

Botanical name: Pulsatilla patens (syn. Anemone patens)
Common name: Pasque flower
Origin: Native to central and northern U.S. plains from Wisconsin south to Nebraska and west through the Rocky Mountains
USDA zones: 4 to 9 (find your zone)
Water requirement: Dry to very dry soil
Light requirement: Full sun to 50% shade
Mature size: Slowly spreading clump to about 1 foot wide and tall
Benefits: Early bloomer, offers insect nectar and pollen for early risers
Seasonal interest: Good two-week bloom period in spring, then puffy seed heads for added show
When to plant: Spring to fall

Distinguishing Traits

Pasque flower takes several years to reach fullness, but it will. Flowers bloom for two weeks, but since new ones continuously emerge, you might see flowers for a month. The common name references Easter, when these plants are in full glory (provided Easter isn't in March, especially farther north where bloom time is late April).

How to Use It

Hairs cover short stems, leaves, and even petals, providing an insulating layer of warm air for cold spring nights (like the hair on our arms). Place this little fellow anywhere—it can take anything: in masses, at the front of a border, even as a lawn substitute. It even prefers dry, alkaline clay.

Planting Notes

Many insects visit this early flower on warm days when awakened by changing weather. The show doesn't stop with blooms—pasque flower's lovely seed head puffs up like a troll doll's head for a week or two, so place it where you can get up close. This is a great plant for kids, because of how it feels both in bloom and after.