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Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Pulsatilla occidentalis

Pulsatilla occidentalis (S. Watson) Freyn

White Pasqueflower, Western Pasqueflower, Western Anemone

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonym(s): Anemone occidentalis

USDA Symbol: PUOC

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

Light green, finely divided, ferny leaves subtend the large, showy, white or slightly purple-tinged flower on the one-blossomed, 8-30 in. flowering stem. Stems often occur in clusters. Leaves, stems and petal undersides are covered with fine hairs. The flower is followed by a silky, plumed seedhead.

The common name Pasque refers to the Easter or Passover blooming time of other species, and to the purity of the white sepals.

From the Image Gallery

9 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 30 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Bloom Notes: Sometimes tinged purple.

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , MT , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: Mts. from B.C. to CA Sierras, e. to Alt. & MT
Native Habitat: Mid- to high-elevation mt. slopes & meadows

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Well-drained scree

Benefit

Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts when fresh. Toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms include inflammation and blistering upon contact with fresh sap and irritation of the mouth, vomiting and diarrhea following ingestion. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Pulsatilla occidentalis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Pulsatilla occidentalis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pulsatilla occidentalis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-11-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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