Pulsatilla pratensis Pasque Flower PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Pulsatilla nigricans. Stork.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Homeopathy Ophthalmic Skin

Considered by herbalists to be of highly valuable modern curative use as a herbal simple[4], the whole plant is alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and nervine[4]. The plant is harvested soon after flowering and should be carefully preserved by drying[4]. It should not be stored for longer than 12 months before being used[4]. Use with caution, see notes above on toxicity. The whole plant is used externally to treat ulcers and inflammations of the eyes[232]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the whole fresh plant, gathered when in flower[232]. It has a wide range of applications and is especially useful in the treatment of babies and children[232].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Plants can be grown to form a ground cover, they are best spaced about 30cm apart each way[208].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained humus rich gritty soil in a sunny position[200]. Tolerates alkaline soils[200]. Prefers lime[187]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[190]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. Large plants transplant badly[200]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

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[175]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: Denmark, Norway (south), Sweden (south), Czech Republic, Germany (east), Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Russian Federation (European part), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Bulgaria (west), Croatia, Romania (west), Slovenia

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Pulsatilla cernua		Perennial	0.2	4-8	LM	N	M	1	2
Pulsatilla chinensis	Bai Tou Weng	Perennial	0.3	5-9	LM	N	M	0	3
Pulsatilla dahurica		Perennial	0.3	5-9	LM	N	M	0	3
Pulsatilla koreana	Korean Pasque Flower	Perennial	0.3	-	LM	N	M	0	2
Pulsatilla patens	Pasque Flower, Eastern pasqueflower, Cutleaf anemone	Perennial	0.5	4-8	LM	N	M	0	2
Pulsatilla vulgaris	Pasque Flower, European pasqueflower	Perennial	0.2	4-8	LM	N	DM	0	3	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Mill.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Pulsatilla pratensis - (L.)Mill.