Pronounced (approximate): pul-sah-TIL-ah nuh-tal-ee-AY-nah
Silky-haired stems carry pale violet flowers with yellow centers.
American Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla nuttalliana): flowers and plant details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Ranunculaceae
Life cycle Herbaceous perennial
Blooms Early spring
Height 4–12 inches
Habitat Dry prairies, sandy openings, and rocky slopes
Common names: American Pasqueflower · Pasqueflower · Prairie Crocus
Other scientific names used: Anemone patens · Anemone nuttalliana · Anemone patens var. nuttalliana
Bloom timing and height vary with location. See the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Dry prairies, sandy openings, and rocky slopes. Flowering season: early spring.
Regional references often use Anemone patens for American pasqueflower; Kew recognizes Pulsatilla nuttalliana. The hairy stems and divided bracts help separate it from crocuses.
Silky-haired stems carry pale violet flowers with yellow centers.
A collar of finely divided bracts sits below the flower.
Feathery seed heads follow the flowers.
Dry prairies, sandy openings, and rocky slopes.
14 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native from subarctic North America into the western and central United States.
Documented U.S. state records
AK, CO, ID, IL, IA, MN, MT, NE, NM, ND, SD, UT, WI, WY
Documented state occurrences; native and introduced records may both be included. This is not a county-level map.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing American Pasqueflower in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.