Prairie Pasqueflower

Pulsatilla nuttalliana

A beloved harbinger of spring on the prairies, this pretty purple flower is one of the earliest species to bloom.  The flower begins blooming near the ground, but its stem continues to grow taller the longer it is in bloom. The leaves and stem are covered in fine soft hairs which help the plant to conserve moisture and avoid being eaten by beetles.

Look for prairie pasqueflowers on protected upper coulee slopes!