Pulsatilla vulgaris


Quick Characteristics:

Height: 10-45 cm (0.3-1.5 ft)
Flower Colors: white, pink, purple
Flower Season: mid spring
Life form: rhizome
 

Pulsatilla vulgaris Mill. is a common subalpine species native to middle and northern Europe, reaching up to 1000 m. It prefers dryish, southern slopes on calcareous soil. In the wild, the flowers open up closely above the ground, but will push up their furry seedheads above the rising grass by the end of May to allow for wind dispersal of the winged seeds, after which the plant retreats from above ground. Photos in habitat are taken by Martin Bohnet on the Swabian Jura, Southern Germany.

Pulsatilla vulgaris in habitat, Martin BohnetPulsatilla vulgaris in habitat, Martin BohnetPulsatilla vulgaris in habitat, Martin BohnetPulsatilla vulgaris seedheads in habitat, Martin Bohnet

Horticultural varieties, possibly with some hybrid influences and due to less exposure to wind, tend to reach 20 cm when in flower and mostly keep their leaves until autumn. Color forms available include pink/reddish and white cultivars in addition to the most common purple.

Pulsatilla vulgaris, Martin BohnetPulsatilla vulgaris reddish form, Martin BohnetPulsatilla vulgaris reddish form, Martin BohnetPulsatilla vulgaris flower detail, Martin Bohnet


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Page last modified on March 15, 2024, at 11:41 AM